Transmission Fluid Level, Checking: Notes

2024 Audi S3 PremiumSECTION Notes

Special tools and workshop equipment required 

Procedure 

CAUTION:

Risk of injury due to the radiator fan turning on automatically.

- Maintain distance to the fan when working near the radiator.

Test Conditions

  • Transmission not in emergency operation mode.
  • Move the vehicle onto a four-column workshop hoist or over a work pit so it is completely level.
  • "P" position is engaged.
  • The parking brake button is pulled on to activate the electromechanical parking brake.
  • Suction hoses from an exhaust extracting system are connected.
  • Engine running at idle.
  • The A/C system and the heater are off.

Transmission Fluid Temperature, Reading

  • The transmission fluid level changes with the transmission fluid temperature: too low of a transmission fluid temperature leads to overfilling, and too high of a transmission fluid temperature leads to underfilling.
  • An incorrect transmission fluid filling impairs the transmission function.
  • The oil temperature must be approximately 30 °C (86 °F) when starting the procedure.

-- Connect the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester -arrow- and select Individual test  .

GWWA01-10031Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC
  • Diagnostic-capable systems
  • 0002 - Transmission electronics
  • 0002 - Transmission electronics functions
  • 0002 - Fluid level, checking

Transmission Fluid Level, Checking

-- Bring the transmission fluid temperature to approximately 30 °C (86 °F).

  • The transmission has an inner fluid container, which must be ran dry before checking.

-- Wait approximately four minutes until the inner fluid container has run dry.

-- Remove the noise insulation. Refer to OVERVIEW - NOISE INSULATION .

CAUTION:

Risk of injury to the eyes and hands by escaping oil.

- Wear protective eyewear.

- Wear acid-resistant safety gloves.

-- Place the Used Oil Collection and Extraction Unit :SMN372500  under the transmission.

  • Engine is idling and the "P" position is engaged.
    GWWN34-11686Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove the check plug -arrow-.

  • The collected transmission fluid runs out of the overflow pipe -arrow 2-.
    GWWN37-0815Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC
  • Some gear oil always leaks out when opening the inspection plug -arrow 1-, regardless of the gear oil level.
  • If some transmission fluid still leaks out at a transmission fluid temperature between 35 and 45 °C (95 and 113 °F) (due to additional warming), the transmission fluid level is OK.
  • Regardless of the gear oil level, a small wave of fluid comes out of the overflow tube every 30 seconds due to the multi-plate clutch cooling oil pulse. This procedure is irrelevant for checking the transmission fluid level.
  • Leaked gear oil must not be reused.

-- If necessary fill the transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid, Filling .

-- If the transmission fluid level is OK, tighten the overflow pipe and then perform a measurement. Refer to Final Procedures .

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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.