AFT Drain, fill, level check - 0CJ 0CK 0CL 0HL

[DrPeter]

Hello,

I compiled the information below a while ago and I do believe it is ready for the Ross-Tech forum!

This is a guide to be used when servicing the following transmissions: [0CJ] [0CK] [0CL] [0HL].
In addition to this guide you will need the correct Official Factory repair manual for your vehicle, no 'if' 'ands' or 'butts'!!!


Important:
The information below is deemed reliable but not 100% guaranteed, use the following at your own risk. Stop now if you do not wish to continue.
We cannot and will not be responsible for any damages and or errors directly or indirectly caused by the use of the information given.


Using the Official Factory repair manuals, follow ALL the "Test conditions" in the "ATF Pump, Deactivating and Draining the Hydraulic Pump Reservoir" section of the repair manual.


There are three parts to this guide:

1. Draining ATF
2. Filling ATF
3. Checking ATF

1) Draining ATF

"WARNING - The system is under pressure"

Prerequisites:

Ignition ON / Engine OFF​

Gear selector in Park​

Parking brake on​

Vehicle on absolutely flat level surface​

With VCDS, select the [02-Auto Trans]
- Select [Adaptation-10]
- From the pull-down menu select [Oil pressure reservoir emptying]
- [New Value] = "Activate", press [Do it!], then press [Go Back]

- Select [Adv.Meas.Values], then select the following for display:
- "Oil pressure reservoir: status of emptying"
- "Oil pressure reservoir: pressure - Data" (optional)
- "Electrical pump 2 for trans. oil: actual speed" (optional)
- "Oil pressure reservoir: status" (optional)

You should see the following information for "status of emptying":
[Value]: "Leeren aktiv" or "Empty active" (briefly)

Then when complete you should see [Value]:
"Druckspeicher entleert/ATF-Motor gesperrt" or "Pressure accumulator emptied/ATF motor disabled"

[Done, Go Back], [Close Controller, Go Back-06], switch ignition [Off].


The transmission is now ready for service and the following is true:
- Auxiliary Hydraulic pump (V552 / ATF pump) is now disabled.
- Pressure accumulator has been drained.
- Vehicle MUST NOT be driven
- P187E - Oil Pressure Reservoir, No Pressure (in memory)
- Mechatronic can be removed for service

As per the Official Factory Repair manuals, Drain the ATF oil (T60 Torx), verify all the oil is drained.





2) Filling ATF

Follow the the Official Factory repair manual to "Draining and filling ATF".

Important:

It is possible to 'overfill' the AFT and mix the ATF and MTF(Manual Transmission Fluid)!!​

​

We strongly recommend to check and note the exact MTF level. If the level is to high, it could indicate mixing of ATF oil, due to a internal leak, between ATF and MTF.​

​

According to the manufacture, Audi, any mixing or operation with this condition WILL irreversibly damage the transmission!​

Prerequisites:

Ignition OFF / Engine OFF​

Gear selector in Park​

Parking brake on​

Vehicle on absolutely flat level surface​

Remove the T30 Torx M10x1.0 - Filling AND Control plug.​

Refill ATF* as per the Official Factory Repair manuals.

Tools needed:

Oil hand pump VAS 6617, 6617/1, 6617/2 (aluminum pan)​

Oil hand pump VAS 6617, 6617/1, 6617/2, 7717/12 (plastic)​

*Use ONLY Audi approved G 055 529 A2 dual clutch gearbox oil.
(Max. filling volume is 3.5 liters)


Ignition [On], Engine [Off] - (Only after adding ATF)

With VCDS, select the [02-Auto Trans]
- Select [Adaptation-10]
- From the pull-down menu select [Oil pressure reservoir emptying]
- [New Value] = "OFF", press [Do it!], then press [Go Back]

Verify the [Adv.Meas.Values]:
"Oil pressure reservoir: status of emptying" = [Not active]

[Done, Go Back], [Close Controller, Go Back-06], switch ignition [Off] for 30 seconds. Proceed to "Checking ATF" fluid level.






3) Checking ATF

Prerequisites:

Ignition ON / Engine Idle​

Gear selector in Park​

Transmission is NOT in Emergency Running mode​

Parking brake on​

HVAC is [OFF]​

Vehicle on absolutely flat level surface​

With VCDS, select the [02-Auto Trans]
Verify the [Adaptation-10] [Oil pressure reservoir emptying] is [OFF].
- If not set the [New Value] to [OFF].


(Optional)
Supposedly you can increase the ATF fluid temperature by using this Basic Setting: [Set ATF-temperature]*
Select [Basic Settings-04], [Set ATF-temperature]
Specified temperature: 35°C > pre-set temperature: Yes > [Go!]
(*This is not yet tested with VCDS on a vehicle).

(Recommended)
- Select [Adv.Meas.Values] = "Transmission fluid temperature"
Target temperature is [35°C], this is the minimum temp the ATF fluid level can be checked at. Wait till the correct temperature is achieved.


Once the ATF temperature is at [35°C] it will be necessary to activate the ATF motor, see Adaptation steps below.
Then follow the Official Factory repair manual "Checking ATF level".


- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Activation]
- [New Value] = "Vorgabe Aktiv", press [Do it!]

(Run the pump at this speed for 20 seconds)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Motor Speed Requirement]
- [New Value] = "3000", press [Do it!] (Default value = 0)

(Run the pump at this speed for 90 seconds)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Motor Speed Requirement]
- [New Value] = "600", press [Do it!] (Default value = 0)



As per the manual:
"Note:
- The ATF level can be checked at the ATF inspection and filler hole.
- The ATF level is correct if a small amount of fluid comes out at the ATF inspection and filler hole when ATF temperature is between 35°C and 45°C (the fluid level rises due to expansion as it warms up)."

Tighten inspection/filler hole after the correct fluid level has been obtained.

(Shut down the ATF pump)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Motor Speed Requirement]
- [New Value] = "keine Vorgab", press [Do it!]

"Stop the Engine" and then turn the ignition back on, check /clear fault codes. Road test, check for leaks and fault codes.

-end-

• Feedback is requested!
• As mentioned before, we have not tested this procedure and can not guarantee the results.
• This is all that we have on this subject.

Thank you....

drpeter

 

[Dinnyb]

Great Post, works perfectly for me on an 2016 A4 8W with PHN transmission.

 

[dan555]

@DrPeter When Checking ATF Level, do you open the inspection/fill plug before of after you run the motor for 10,20 and 90 seconds? Per the factory repair manual, it says to open inspection/fill plug when temperature is at 35 C.

 

[DrPeter]

Hello and thanks for your question.

I think I would want to check the ATF fluid level before running the pump. You could also do it afterwards, just to make sure the level is okay.

Just be sure the ATF temp is between "35°C and 45°C" !

Hope this helps,

drpeter

 

[dan555]

Thank you @DrPeter !

 

[bartenderfloyd]

It Worked!! My 2020 A6 is now shifting better than ever!

 

[Guzzicam]

Hello Dr Peter

Thank you for compiling this process.

There is so much grayness around this process on the internet and people trying all sorts of methods I appreciate coming to Ross Tech for the definitive step by step. As Ross Tech do not yet list their official process this Forum information is the only process write up I have found which replicates the Erwin Factory steps and addresses the hidden VAG software steps.

I would guess you must have observed Audi Techs carrying out the process using VAG system which includes the hidden ATF motor speed activation and requirements steps and have been able to document them in your process.

When researching the process I have seen a couple of mechanics using the VAG software and activating the ATF speeds you specify. Others seem to skip over this information and one just said they didn’t want to reveal it. Many people seem unaware of these steps and just shift through the gears to build pressure again. Is either approach ok in the end?

Many people in forums ask if the engine is on or off when making the final fill level check. From Erwin, and observing ex VAG mechanics carrying out the fill and drip stage, and your guide initially says the engine is running. I did the fill check within, sort of, 90 seconds running at 600rpm needing a little top up and then drip out.

I took out 2.5 litres and replaced 2.5 litres at 35 C. So my experience would say yes to engine running, with 600rpm atf motor speed. But it may be you can just shift the gears, leave the engine running, quickly do the final fill and drip and it’s the same result.

I was surprised at the drain as I expected to refill 3.5 litres. I’m really glad I measured the drain and would recommend everyone to measure what drains. I think I may have been too hasty in not letting the fluid drizzle out for long enough, or I should have warmed the ATF first so it flowed more.

My drained ATF drained out the spout a nice golden colour but when I measured it into clear 1 litre jugs it was in fact really dark. This along with only getting 2.5 litres drained means I plan another change within 10000 miles.



Feedback on Dr Peters process steps

For 2019 UK Q5 fy 2.0TDI. Component: 0CJ 20TDI RdW H01 0002

• Put battery charger / maintainer on for all engine off steps
• I had [Draining Oil Pressure Reservoir] not [Oil pressure reservoir emptying]
• At the filling stage to shut down the pump I had to use the [ATF_motor_speed_requirement – Activation] , not the ‘Motor Speed Requirement’

I have copied my version of the process I experienced below with the small amendments if its useful towards building a final Ross Tech process.

I could add some VCDS screenshots if that is ok or wanted?

Quick observation. Here in UK the public could go to TPS for parts and they were always helpful. This month I have been turned away as not trade due to their agreement with Audi. It seems that Audi wants to keep its parts and processes secret from the public. I did understand that new laws required all companies to make and support their products being accessible for repair by end users. Why are VAG are making it more difficult. We can still go to the dealership for parts though.

Ross Tech has step by step processes for various procedures such as brakes. I hope they will make an approved process with the useful pop ups for ATF changing as it is such a basic maintenance requirement and so many people are attempting it with VCDS and other tools but not realising they don’t have all the information they need because it is not revealed by VAG and Ross Tech has not yet documented it officially.

Thank you for your work compiling this so far Dr Peter


1) DRAINING ATF
"WARNING - The system is under pressure"

Prerequisites:
Battery charger / maintainer
Ignition ON / Engine OFF
Gear selector in Park - Transmission is NOT in Emergency Running mode
Parking brake on
HVAC, lights, radio etc [OFF]
Vehicle on absolutely flat level surface


With VCDS, select the [02-Auto Trans]

- Select [Adaptation-10]
- From the pull-down menu select [Oil pressure reservoir emptying] – Channel 1B Draining Oil Pressure Reservoir

Stored Value = OFF
- [New Value] = "Activate" Activating, press [Do it!], then press [Go Back]

- Select [Adv.Meas.Values], then select the following for display:
- "Oil pressure reservoir: status of emptying"
- "Oil pressure reservoir: pressure - Data" (optional)
- "Electrical pump 2 for trans. oil: actual speed" (optional)
- "Oil pressure reservoir: status" (optional)

You should see the following information for "status of emptying":
[Value]: "Leeren aktiv" or "Empty active" (briefly)

Then when complete you should see [Value]:
"Druckspeicher entleert/ATF-Motor gesperrt" or

"Pressure accumulator emptied/ATF motor disabled"


[Done, Go Back], [Close Controller, Go Back-06], switch ignition [Off].

Disconnect Battery Charger
Note from Erwin - The “Drain ATF” test program includes deactivation of the ATF
pump and discharging of the hydraulic accumulator


The transmission is now ready for service and the following is true:
- Auxiliary Hydraulic pump (V552 / ATF pump) is now disabled.
- Pressure accumulator has been drained.
- Vehicle MUST NOT be driven
- P187E - Oil Pressure Reservoir, No Pressure (in memory)
- Mechatronic can be removed for service

As per the Official Factory Repair manuals, Drain the ATF oil (T60 Torx), verify all the oil is drained.
Replace Bung

2) FILLING ATF
Follow the the Official Factory repair manual to "Draining and filling ATF".
Important:
It is possible to 'overfill' the ATF and mix the ATF and MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid)!
Recommend check and note the exact MTF level. If the level is to high, it could indicate mixing of ATF oil, due to a internal leak, between ATF and MTF.
Mixing MTF and ATF WILL irreversibly damage the transmission!

Prerequisites:
Ignition OFF / Engine OFF
Gear selector in Park - Transmission is NOT in Emergency Running mode
Parking brake on
HVAC is [OFF]
Vehicle on absolutely flat level surface

Drain ATF
Remove the T30 Torx M10x1.0 - Filling AND Control plug.
Remove Drain Plug, catch and measure quantity oil out
Insert New Drain Plug

Refill ATF* as per the Official Factory Repair manuals.
Use ONLY Audi approved G 055 529 A2 dual clutch gearbox oil.
Max. filling volume is 3.5 liters
Replace cleaned old Filler Plug temporarily

TURN AUX PUMP BACK ON
Battery Charger – All electricals off as above
Ignition [On], Engine [Off] - (Only after adding ATF)

With VCDS, select the [02-Auto Trans]
- Select [Adaptation-10]
- From the pull-down menu select [Oil pressure reservoir emptying]
- [New Value] = "OFF", press [Do it!], then press [Go Back]
Listen
Select [Adv.Meas.Values]:
"Oil pressure reservoir: status of emptying" = [Not active]
[Done, Go Back], [Close Controller, Go Back-06], switch ignition [Off] for 30 seconds.
Proceed to "Checking ATF" fluid level.

3) CHECKING ATF LEVEL
Prerequisites:
Confirm
With VCDS, select the [02-Auto Trans]
Verify the [Adaptation-10] [Oil pressure reservoir emptying] is [OFF].
- If not set the [New Value] to [OFF].

- Select [Adv.Meas.Values] = "Transmission fluid temperature"
Gear selector in Park - Transmission is NOT in Emergency Running mode
Parking brake on
HVAC, lights, radio etc [OFF]
Vehicle on absolutely flat level surface
NOW START ENGINE TO IDLE

ATF reaches 35°C = activate ATF motor as follows
Once the ATF temperature is at [35°C] it will be necessary to activate the ATF motor,

(Activate ATF motor)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Activation]
- [New Value] = "Vorgabe Aktiv", press [Do it!] (‘default active’)

(Run the pump at this speed for 20 seconds)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Motor Speed Requirement]
- [New Value] = "3000", press [Do it!] (Default value = 0)

(Run the pump at this speed for 90 seconds)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Motor Speed Requirement]
- [New Value] = "600", press [Do it!] (Default value = 0)

• When ATF level correct a small amount ATF comes out of ATF filler hole
• Insert Bung after the correct fluid level has been obtained.

(Shut down the ATF pump)
- Select [Adaptation-10] - From the pull-down menu select
[ATF_motor_speed_requirement - Activation Motor Speed Requirement]
- [New Value] = "keine Vorgab", press [Do it!] (‘no default’)

[Done, Go Back], [Close Controller, Go Back-06], switch ignition [Off] for 30 seconds.
"Stop the Engine"
Ignition On, (all electricals should be off by now)
Check /clear fault codes.
Road test, check for leaks and fault codes.

 

[Grigor]

Worked like a charm for my 2019 A5, thank you!!!
It is insane how complicated they have made to check the transmission fluid...

 

[av8r430]

Hello All, great post!

I know these questions were asked already, but I would just like to ask again to be 100% certain I understand it correctly.

/1/ For the depressurization procedure, do you do this with drain plug open or closed? In other words, if you depressurize with the drain closed, is there a risk of over filing the sump?

/2/ For the fluid check procedure, is the ATF pump running at different speeds done to just "bleed" the system or does the 600 rpm speed need to be maintained throughout the checking procedure (beyond 90 seconds)? If it's just to "bleed" the system, would it make more sense to do it with the engine off during the fill procedure? And if not, is it ok to run more than 90 seconds until the proper fill is reached?

Thanks again for this great post, just wanted to clarify the above.

 

[ASTambura]

Hi
Thanks for the great effort, DrPeater, for extracting this procedure from the manual.
Does anyone know the procedure for resetting and fully adapting this 7-speed dsg gearbox DL 382 (2016+),from the title of the post with vcds, I was looking for it but I can't find it?
Thank you

 

[Grigor]

Hello All, great post!

I know these questions were asked already, but I would just like to ask again to be 100% certain I understand it correctly.

/1/ For the depressurization procedure, do you do this with drain plug open or closed? In other words, if you depressurize with the drain closed, is there a risk of over filing the sump?

/2/ For the fluid check procedure, is the ATF pump running at different speeds done to just "bleed" the system or does the 600 rpm speed need to be maintained throughout the checking procedure (beyond 90 seconds)? If it's just to "bleed" the system, would it make more sense to do it with the engine off during the fill procedure? And if not, is it ok to run more than 90 seconds until the proper fill is reached?

Thanks again for this great post, just wanted to clarify the above.

/1/ I did it with the plug closed. I do not know the answer to the second part though.
/2/ I have run the pump roughly to the seconds that they mention however I am sure I ran it for a few more secs like 5-20 more than needed. I think the engine must be running as to ensure that you fill it properly, with the engine off you might over/underfill it, but I'm not 100% sure. I have done these steps on at least 50 older DSGs and they have a mechanically driven pump from the engine hence the engine must be running, I do not know enough about this transmission if it is the same.

 

[av8r430]

/1/ I did it with the plug closed. I do not know the answer to the second part though.
/2/ I have run the pump roughly to the seconds that they mention however I am sure I ran it for a few more secs like 5-20 more than needed. I think the engine must be running as to ensure that you fill it properly, with the engine off you might over/underfill it, but I'm not 100% sure. I have done these steps on at least 50 older DSGs and they have a mechanically driven pump from the engine hence the engine must be running, I do not know enough about this transmission if it is the same.

Thanks!

 

[S4Phil]

Sorry to drag up an old one, but we've a customer in with an 0CK gearbox just now displaying very intermittent faults, I want to make sure the Oil level check procedure is perfect before moving on.

During the checking oil level stage, whilst running the fluid pump at several speeds, can anyone confirm that once I activate the 600 rpm pump speed for 90 seconds, I then remove the fill plug on the transmission, allow any excess to drain off until a slower dripping of fluid is achieved (between 35 & 45 degrees), then refit the fill plug, then 'shut down the ATF pump'.

I noticed on basic settings there is a 'Check ATF level' option, anyone tried this before?

Thanks

 

[av8r430]

Sorry to drag up an old one, but we've a customer in with an 0CK gearbox just now displaying very intermittent faults, I want to make sure the Oil level check procedure is perfect before moving on.

During the checking oil level stage, whilst running the fluid pump at several speeds, can anyone confirm that once I activate the 600 rpm pump speed for 90 seconds, I then remove the fill plug on the transmission, allow any excess to drain off until a slower dripping of fluid is achieved (between 35 & 45 degrees), then refit the fill plug, then 'shut down the ATF pump'.

I noticed on basic settings there is a 'Check ATF level' option, anyone tried this before?

Thanks

I'm curious about this as well, hopefully someone can answer

I've watched some videos where varying the pump speeds for 90 seconds wasn't accomplished since the pump turns on to 3000 RPM with the engine running.

 

[S4Phil]

I'm curious about this as well, hopefully someone can answer

I've watched some videos where varying the pump speeds for 90 seconds wasn't accomplished since the pump turns on to 3000 RPM with the engine running.

I've done several of these since my last post, I've always ran through the pump speeds as specified, when you come to run the last 600 rpm speed for 90 seconds, whilst that is running you'll remove the level/fill plug from the side and allow it to drain off any excess, then refit the plug. After this you then stop the motor speed adjustment as specified & you're good to go.

No issues yet from I'd say at least 4 cars since then.

 

[av8r430]

I've done several of these since my last post, I've always ran through the pump speeds as specified, when you come to run the last 600 rpm speed for 90 seconds, whilst that is running you'll remove the level/fill plug from the side and allow it to drain off any excess, then refit the plug. After this you then stop the motor speed adjustment as specified & you're good to go.

No issues yet from I'd say at least 4 cars since then.

Awesome, thank you!

 

[av8r430]

I've done several of these since my last post, I've always ran through the pump speeds as specified, when you come to run the last 600 rpm speed for 90 seconds, whilst that is running you'll remove the level/fill plug from the side and allow it to drain off any excess, then refit the plug. After this you then stop the motor speed adjustment as specified & you're good to go.

No issues yet from I'd say at least 4 cars since then.

Have you ever figured out what the "Check ATF Level" function in VCDS accomplishes?

 

[S4Phil]

I did try it to see if there were any steps to follow, but nothing came of it for me.

Given the nightmare we had with one of these overcomplicated metal power conversion units, I'd recommend sticking to proven, tested procedures, or ODIS..

 

[av8r430]

I did try it to see if there were any steps to follow, but nothing came of it for me.

Given the nightmare we had with one of these overcomplicated metal power conversion units, I'd recommend sticking to proven, tested procedures, or ODIS..

Sounds good, thanks again!!