Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
ATF Level, Checking And Correcting
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
- Used Oil Collection and Extraction UnitSMN 372500
- ATF Filler Tool V.A.G 1924
- Protective eyewear
Test Conditions
- The transmission must not be in emergency running
- The vehicle must be horizontal.
- The selector level is in "P".
- Exhaust hose/-hoses of an exhaust extraction system connected.
- Engine running at idle.
- The Air Conditioning (A/C) and heater are off.
- Vehicle Diagnostic Tester is connected.
- At the start of the testing, the ATF temperature must not be higher than 30° C (86° F); let the transmission cool down.
Automatic transmission clean working conditions, refer to CLEAN WORKING CONDITIONS .
Read the ATF temperature on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
The ATF level will vary depending on the temperature of the ATF.
Performing ATF level check when the ATF temperature is too low causes overfilling.
Performing ATF level check when the ATF temperature is too high causes underfilling.
Overfilling or underfilling will influence the function of the transmission.
Only use the ATF available as a replacement part for the planetary gear in automatic transmission 09L. Other oils lead to malfunctions or to failure of the transmission, ATF specification. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS .
Procedure
-- Select the following menu entries on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester in the Guided Functions :
- 02 - Transmission Electronics 09L
- J217 - Automatic Transmission, Read Measured Values Block
-- Select the Transmission Oil Temperature measured value from the list on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
-- Check the ATF temperature.
ATF Level, Checking and Correcting
The ATF level is checked at the ATF inspection plug.
The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid drips out of the inspection hole (this is normal as the fluid expands as it heats up) at an ATF temperature between 35° and 45° C (95° and 113° F) (for hot countries 50° C (122° F)).
-- Drive the vehicle onto a 4-column hoist or over a service pit so that it is absolutely level.
- The ATF filler tool must be clean and the ATF must not be mixed with any other ATF.
- Using different oils will destroy the transmission.
-- Fill the reservoir of the ATF Filler ToolV.A.G 1924 with ATF for automatic transmission 09L; ATF specification. Refer to AUDI A6/S6 .
-- Secure ATF Filler ToolV.A.G 1924 reservoir as high as possible on vehicle.
-- Start the engine and let it idle.
-- Place the Used Oil Collection and Extraction UnitSMN 372500 under the transmission.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.