I know nothing about Autos...

[Arragonis]

...so how do I check my trans fluid level, I assume that is different from the gearbox oil which was renewed (well half of it was, the other half didn't come out).

[320touring]

Gearbox oil is the Transmission oil. if only half remains-check for leaks. Before that, confirm whether the level should be checked cold or hot, and running or off. the levels can vary a lot-meaning false readings if not checked under the correct conditons

an autobox uses differing fluid pressure to select different gears- the routing of the fluid determines the gear.

Your setup is like a conventional auto box- the torque converter acts like a clutch and flywheel in one. The "Chronic" bit means you have some control over what gear the box is in.

As you already know, Audi have built in some parameters to stop you "lugging" the engine- it may be worth researching if you can "teach" the gearbox so that they are set closer to YOUR driving style. (I know that the e60 5 series can be reset and learn-not too sure on the VAG side)

May be worth a scout of the fora for any reset procedures. I'd also look for info re whether the box needs the fluid flow for cooling (if so, no P&G for you)

[Arragonis]

I shall ask the specialists to check it then, or can I do this on a drive with a toolkit consisting of a full set of screwdrivers from Halfords ?

Under the bonnet looks like something from Alien, or Aliens, or whatever the really scary one was called...

[320touring]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

I shall ask the specialists to check it then, or can I do this on a drive with a toolkit consisting of a full set of screwdrivers from Halfords ?

Under the bonnet looks like something from Alien, or Aliens, or whatever the really scary one was called...

If the car has a dipstick for the autobox you can check. otherwise I dunno- again you'll need model specific advice


I have a selection of hammers available should you need them

do you have any VAGCOM?

[Occasionally6]

In most cases, how to check the fluid level will be described in the owner's manual.

Assuming it is not (why not?) or you don't have access to it/them, it might help some to know which of your three listed vehicles you are referring to and what type of transmission (auto., manual) they have.

I general, yes, if you have an automatic transmission there will be a dipstick for the fluid level. That can be found in the engine compartment. Often (by convention) its handle will be yellow. (Engine oil is similar so make sure that you can distinguish between the two.)

It may be necessary to have the fluid at operating temperature for an accurate reading. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth before taking a reading. You might also allow a minute or two for the fluid level to drain back after driving. Usually, the engine should be running and vehicle in Park (or Neutral), while checking.

With a manual transmission there will likely be a filler plug on the side of the transaxle somewhere. Usually, the correct fluid level is to the bottom of that fill hole. The plug is usually accessible from under the vehicle.

You will need a wrench of the appropriate size to unscrew the plug in order to check the level. A clean finger inserted in the hole is used then to determine the fluid level.

Sometimes the fluid(s) for the differential and that for the gearbox will be separated so you will have two plugs to check.

I am aware of vehicles that use a dipstick to determine the oil level in a manual transmission and one that uses the speed sensor as a dipstick.

There are some transmissions which are filled for life at the time of manufacture i.e. there is minimal provision for checking or changing the fluid. Those are best left to professionals as they require more specific techniques to check and fill.

[Arragonis]

Thanks, I shall take a look. The car manual(s) devote about 70% of their pages explaining the MMI stuff, with some references to jacking and towing. I think they expect owners just to take it somewhere if/when a light comes on.