ZF tiptronic fluid change - shift through the gears
Discussion
I have a question about correct procedure when doing a drain and refill on a ZF auto box, specifically the one fitted to my 2007 Audi Allroad 3.2FSI.
The refill procedure has you part filling with fluid (ZF Lifeguard 6), then ”shift through the gears” and finally, while monitoring gearbox temperature with VCDS, top up and wait until a specific temperature is reached and only a tiny trickle emerges from the fill hole, then the change is complete.
Maybe this is obvious to some, but what does ”shift through the gears” really mean in this context? Is it enough to move the tiptronic selector from P to R to N to D, maybe also to S for fun?
Or is ”shift through the gears” requiring that you move the lever into the manual shift position and go all the way from 1, 2, 3, etc to 6?
My car will be on ramps, as that’s the only way I can get both ends up high enough to get fully under the car, so the wheels cannot spin. I’m not sure you can even get to the higher gears if the wheels cannot spin?
I’m just confused about the whole thing I suppose!
The refill procedure has you part filling with fluid (ZF Lifeguard 6), then ”shift through the gears” and finally, while monitoring gearbox temperature with VCDS, top up and wait until a specific temperature is reached and only a tiny trickle emerges from the fill hole, then the change is complete.
Maybe this is obvious to some, but what does ”shift through the gears” really mean in this context? Is it enough to move the tiptronic selector from P to R to N to D, maybe also to S for fun?
Or is ”shift through the gears” requiring that you move the lever into the manual shift position and go all the way from 1, 2, 3, etc to 6?
My car will be on ramps, as that’s the only way I can get both ends up high enough to get fully under the car, so the wheels cannot spin. I’m not sure you can even get to the higher gears if the wheels cannot spin?
I’m just confused about the whole thing I suppose!
Here's the procedure from the Range Rover L322 manual which has the same box but a different torque capacity (ZF 6HP26 instead of your 6HP19).
If you don't have a diag tool that can read the transmission oil temperature you can use an IR thermometer on the oil pan, or even a dip thermometer through the fill hole as a guide.
If you don't have a diag tool that can read the transmission oil temperature you can use an IR thermometer on the oil pan, or even a dip thermometer through the fill hole as a guide.
Automatic Transmission/Transaxle - 4.2L SC V8 - AJV8 - Transmission Fluid Level Check
General Procedures
• WARNINGS:
Observe due care when draining transmission fluid as the fluid can be very hot.
Observe due care when working near a hot exhaust system.
CAUTION: The gearbox fluid level must only be checked when the temperature of the fluid is between 30
degrees and 50 degrees. The fluid level obtained will be incorrect if the reading is outside this temperature
range.
1. The following steps must be observed before starting the
transmission fluid level check and top-up.
The vehicle must be on a horizontal ramp.
The parking brake must be applied.
The wheels must be chocked.
2. CAUTION: Make sure the transmission
fluid temperature is below 30 degrees before
starting the fluid level check.
Connect T4 to the on-board diagnostic
connector to monitor the transmission fluid
temperature.
3. Start the engine. Move the selector lever from 'P'
through all gear positions, pausing in each gear position
for 2-3 seconds and return to the 'P' position.
4. WARNING: Do not work on or under a vehicle
supported only by a jack. Always support the vehicle on
safety stands.
Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Place a container under the transmission.
6. WARNINGS:
Observe due care when draining
transmission fluid as the fluid can be very hot.
Observe due care when working near a hot
exhaust system.
CAUTION: The gearbox fluid level must only
be checked when the temperature of the fluid is
between 30 degrees and 50 degrees. The fluid
level obtained will be incorrect if the reading is
outside this temperature range.
Remove the transmission fluid filler/level plug.
Clean the area around the filler/level plug.
Remove and discard the sealing washer.
7. If no fluid loss is apparent when the filler/level plug is
removed, with the engine at idle, continue to fill the
transmission until a small thread of oil runs from oil
filler/level hole.
8. Install the transmission fluid filler/level plug and tighten
to 35 Nm (26 lb.ft).
Install a new sealing washer.
Remove the container.
9. Disconnect T4 from the vehicle.
natterjak said:
I have a question about correct procedure when doing a drain and refill on a ZF auto box, specifically the one fitted to my 2007 Audi Allroad 3.2FSI.
The refill procedure has you part filling with fluid (ZF Lifeguard 6), then shift through the gears and finally, while monitoring gearbox temperature with VCDS, top up and wait until a specific temperature is reached and only a tiny trickle emerges from the fill hole, then the change is complete.
Maybe this is obvious to some, but what does shift through the gears really mean in this context? Is it enough to move the tiptronic selector from P to R to N to D, maybe also to S for fun?
Or is shift through the gears requiring that you move the lever into the manual shift position and go all the way from 1, 2, 3, etc to 6?
My car will be on ramps, as that s the only way I can get both ends up high enough to get fully under the car, so the wheels cannot spin. I m not sure you can even get to the higher gears if the wheels cannot spin?
I m just confused about the whole thing I suppose!
Different box, but same idea.The refill procedure has you part filling with fluid (ZF Lifeguard 6), then shift through the gears and finally, while monitoring gearbox temperature with VCDS, top up and wait until a specific temperature is reached and only a tiny trickle emerges from the fill hole, then the change is complete.
Maybe this is obvious to some, but what does shift through the gears really mean in this context? Is it enough to move the tiptronic selector from P to R to N to D, maybe also to S for fun?
Or is shift through the gears requiring that you move the lever into the manual shift position and go all the way from 1, 2, 3, etc to 6?
My car will be on ramps, as that s the only way I can get both ends up high enough to get fully under the car, so the wheels cannot spin. I m not sure you can even get to the higher gears if the wheels cannot spin?
I m just confused about the whole thing I suppose!
The car needs to be in the air, you need to engage every gear manually to ensure any fluids can get to the relevant control parts of the box relating to each and every gear.
So start in neutral, then into 1st, let it "drive" for a little there, then 2nd, 3rd, etc etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI4RgsPQU-0
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