ATF Level, Checking: Notes
Special Tools And Workshop Equipment Required
- Vehicle Diagnostic Tester
- CVT Gearbox Filler System VAS 5162
- Used Oil Collection and Extraction Unit SMN372500
- Protective eyewear
Preparing
The illustration on the reservoir for the CVT Gearbox Filler System VAS 5162 in the upper left graphic refers to the use of special ATFs for multitronic transmissions.
In addition, the necessary work steps for filling are illustrated, which are described as follows:
Danger of causing damage to 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, a preliminary filling with 5.5 to 7 liters ATF must be performed.
Test Conditions
- The transmission must not be in the emergency running
- Move the vehicle onto a 4-column workshop hoist or over a work pit so it is completely level.
- The selector level is in "P".
- The parking brake button should be activated to close the electro-mechanical parking brake.
- Exhaust hose/-hoses of an exhaust extraction system connected.
- The A/C and the heater are off.
- Vehicle Diagnostic Tester is connected.
- The ATF temperature must not be higher than 30 °C (86 °F) at the beginning of the test. Let the transmission must cool down first, if necessary.
Read the ATF temperature on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.
The ATF level will vary depending on the temperature of the ATF.
It is possible to overfill the ATF if the level is checked when the temperature is too low.
It is possible to underfill the ATF if the level is checked when the temperature is too high.
Overfilling or underfilling will influence the function of the transmission.
ATF Level, Checking and Correcting
The ATF filling and check plugs must be replaced.
-- Select the following menu options under "Functions/Component selection" in Guided Fault Finding on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester:
- Drivetrain
- 0AW transmission
- 01-OBD-capable systems
- 02-transmission electronics
- 02-Transmission electronics, functions
- 02-Measured values
-- Select Transmission Fluid Temperature from the list.
-- Check the ATF temperature.
Danger of causing damage to the transmission.
- Only use replacement part ATF for "multitronic 0AW FWD" for the "multitronic 0AW FWD" transmission.
- Do not mix other ATF types, even in small quantities. Malfunctions and transmission failure could occur.
- The ATF filler tool must be clean and the ATF must not be mixed with any other oils.
-- Fill the CVT Gearbox Filler System VAS 5162 reservoir with the ATF for the "multitronic 0AW FWD" ; ATF specification .
-- Secure the ATF filler system reservoir as high as possible on the vehicle.
- The shut-off valve on the CVT Gearbox Filler System VAS 5162 must be closed.
-- Remove the o-ring -1- on the connection -2- on the CVT Gearbox Filler System VAS 5162.
Danger of misfilling the transmission.
- The connection -2- must be mounted by hand all the way into the ATF inspection plug hole on the transmission without the o-ring.
- The oil level tube can be pushed into the ATF inspection plug hole in the upper position only when the o-ring is not on the connection -2-.
- This is the only way to correctly check and/or adjust the ATF level to maximum.
- Engine running at idle.
-- Remove the rear noise insulation -2-, refer to REAR NOISE INSULATION, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
Immediately after starting the engine, let it run at 2, 500 RPM.
Running the engine at high speeds is necessary to bleed the ATF pump.
If running at high speeds is not performed, the ATF level cannot be adjusted correctly.
-- Start the engine with the selector lever in "P".
-- Using the accelerator pedal, let the engine run briefly at 2, 500 RPM.
-- Press the brake and move the selector lever alternately between "R" and "D/S" and let the engine idle for approximately 2 seconds in each position.
-- Repeat the process three times.
The ATF level is checked at the ATF inspection plug.
ATF level is correct if a little bit of fluid still escapes at the ATF check plug between 35 and 45 °C (95 and 113 °F) or 50 °C (122 °F) for hot countries, ATF temperature (dependent on the fluid level when warming up).
-- Place the Used Oil Collection and Extraction Unit SMN372500 under the transmission.
Danger of eye injury.
- Wear protective eyewear.
-- Remove the ATF check plug -A- when the ATF reaches 35°C (95 °F).
Approximately 5 to 10 cl of ATF will always drain initially from the internal oil level pipe when the plug is unscrewed.
Follow the disposal requirements.
-- Install the CVT Gearbox Filler System VAS 5162 connection, without the o-ring, all the way into the opening for the ATF inspection plug.
- This >>presses << the oil level tube into the correct upper installation position.
-- Turn the valve in the flow direction -down arrow- and check the ATF level.
At 35°C (95 °F), the ATF must flow out continually and at first strongly.
-- Wait until just a little ATF is coming out.
-- Tighten the new ATF inspection plug.
Depending on the version, ATF inspection plugs of different lengths are installed. Always pay attention to the allocation according to the transmission codes . To prevent damaging the transmission, compare the old and new ATF inspection plug.
The ATF check plug must be installed again before the ATF reaches a temperature of 45 °C (113 °F) or 50 °C (122 °F) with hot climates.
If the ATF gets warmer than 45 °C (113 °F), it will leak out and the transmission will not have enough ATF.
The ATF level test is now completed.
If, at 40 °C (104 °F)), no ATF or just a few drops flow out, fill the ATF, refer to FILLING ATF .