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: Notes
Special tools and workshop equipment required
- Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
- Used Oil Collection and Extraction Unit: SMN372500
- Pressurized Gearbox Oil Filler Kit: VAS6617 with Pressurized Gearbox Oil Filler - Hand Pump: VAS6617/1 and Pressurized Gearbox Oil Filler - Adapter 2: VAS6617/2
- Adapter: VAS6617/12
- Protective Eyewear
- Acid-Resistant Safety Gloves
Test Conditions
- The transmission must not be emergency running
- Move the vehicle onto a 4-column workshop hoist or over a work pit so it is completely level.
- Transmission is in "P".
- The parking brake button is pressed to activate the electro-mechanical parking brake.
- Exhaust hose/hoses of an exhaust extraction system connected.
- The A/C system and the heater are off.
- Vehicle Diagnostic Tester is connected.
- The ATF temperature must not be higher than 35 °C (95 °F) at the beginning of the test. Let the transmission must cool down first, if necessary.
The ATF level will vary depending on the temperature of the ATF.
It is possible to overfill with ATF if the level is checked when the temperature is too low.
It is possible to underfill with ATF if the level is checked when the temperature is too high.
Both overfilling and underfilling impair the function of the transmission.
Procedure
Replace the plug for the inspection and fill hole.
-- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester with the vehicle and start the Diagnostic mode.
- Select vehicle test
- 02-Transmission Electronics, Guided Functions
- ATF level, checking → 3 ATF level, checking
-- Follow the instructions in the display.
Risk of damaging the transmission.
- Engine must not be started if only a small amount or no ATF is in the transmission after repair work or after significant ATF loss.
- In this case, pre-filling is necessary. Refer to ATF, DRAINING AND FILLING .
-- Remove the rear noise insulation. Refer to NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
The ATF level is checked at the ATF check and fill hole.
The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid drips out of the inspection and fill opening (this is normal as the fluid expands as it heats up) at an ATF temperature between 35 ° and 45 °C (95 to 113 °F).
-- Place the : SMN372500 underneath.
Danger of eye injury.
- Wear protective eyewear.
-- As soon as an ATF temperature of 35 °C (95 to 113 °F) is reached, remove the plug -B- on the inspection and fill hole or open the plugs.
-- If necessary let any excess ATF run out.
If the ATF starts to drip out of the inspection and fill hole before it reaches 45 °C (113 °F), then the ATF level is OK.
-- Assemble the vehicle. Refer to Assembling .
If No ATF Drips out of the Inspection and Fill Hole before It Reaches 45 °C (113 °F), Fill with ATF:
-- Switch off the engine and let the transmission cool down to 35 °C (95 °F).
Risk of damaging the transmission.
- Only use the listed replacement ATF for the dual-clutch transmission 0CJ, 0CK, 0CL, 0DN, 0DP.
- Using other fluids can cause malfunctions or transmission failure.
- Note the allocation. Refer to the Parts Information.
- The : VAS6617 must be clean and ATF must not be mixed with another fluid! Rinse the hand pump with ATF if necessary.
NO RELATED
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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.