Checking Tiptronic ATF levels
#1
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Thread Starter
Checking Tiptronic ATF levels
Please note the information contained
in this thread has been consolidated and corrected
in the DIY section article: 'Filling tiptronic gearbox/
transmission fluid (ATF)'
Hi chaps
I've just changed the oil in my Tiptronic transmission. Changed all the
gaskets, cleaned thoroughly (even resprayed the outside of the sump).
Everything looked in great condition.
Now. I've read about checking the oil level;
-car level
-engine idling
-park brake applied
-shifter on park
-ATF fluid temp. at 80°c
But after a fifteen minute run, it appears that the temperature has not
reached 80°c (external gauge, held to sump, read 60°c) and the fluid
level is below the minimum mark for 30°c.
However, when the engine is off the oil drains back to the sump and goes
to the top of the gauge.
I guess I need a bit more? Just frightened of over filling.
Do I need to run the car for longer? Didn't want to run it any longer in
case it was too low.
Advice gratefully received.
Rich
in this thread has been consolidated and corrected
in the DIY section article: 'Filling tiptronic gearbox/
transmission fluid (ATF)'
Hi chaps
I've just changed the oil in my Tiptronic transmission. Changed all the
gaskets, cleaned thoroughly (even resprayed the outside of the sump).
Everything looked in great condition.
Now. I've read about checking the oil level;
-car level
-engine idling
-park brake applied
-shifter on park
-ATF fluid temp. at 80°c
But after a fifteen minute run, it appears that the temperature has not
reached 80°c (external gauge, held to sump, read 60°c) and the fluid
level is below the minimum mark for 30°c.
However, when the engine is off the oil drains back to the sump and goes
to the top of the gauge.
I guess I need a bit more? Just frightened of over filling.
Do I need to run the car for longer? Didn't want to run it any longer in
case it was too low.
Advice gratefully received.
Rich
Last edited by RichieRoo; 05-10-2010 at 09:03 AM. Reason: Newer information available
#2
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Interesting, i would have thought the oil level would rise as it gets hot.
do you know how much ATF came out and how much you put back in?
I have been wanting to change mine but read you need the hammer to
verify the ATF is at 80 deg. did you verify again the the level go's down after it warms up, maybe just took some time to register on the sight glass.
looks great btw.
heres the web page i was looking at, not saying it correct or not and the images no longer work
sound like we need a diy write up
http://www.motorportal.com/964%20reg...f%20change.htm
do you know how much ATF came out and how much you put back in?
I have been wanting to change mine but read you need the hammer to
verify the ATF is at 80 deg. did you verify again the the level go's down after it warms up, maybe just took some time to register on the sight glass.
looks great btw.
heres the web page i was looking at, not saying it correct or not and the images no longer work
sound like we need a diy write up
http://www.motorportal.com/964%20reg...f%20change.htm
Last edited by jim_l; 01-24-2010 at 03:03 PM. Reason: added web link
#3
Rennlist Member
You need more ATF. I would consider it safe to bring the level up to a proper level corresponding to 60degC if you interpolate between the 30degC and 80degC marks with engine at idle, sump temp 60degC. When I did my oil change I replaced the same quantity of oil that I drained, because the level was correct before the oil change thus avoiding all the guess work. Do you find a little gunk stuck to your magnetic drain plug?
edit - oil level goes down while running due to the fact it's a hydraulic system, drain back fills the sump when the engine is stopped.
edit #2 - I did my oil change before I acquired the hammer. I would consider it safe to get oil temp. from the sump cover. Look at how far the min and max levels are for 80degC - a lot of room for error if the quantity is not just so.
edit #3 - yes, your sump cover looks awesome
edit - oil level goes down while running due to the fact it's a hydraulic system, drain back fills the sump when the engine is stopped.
edit #2 - I did my oil change before I acquired the hammer. I would consider it safe to get oil temp. from the sump cover. Look at how far the min and max levels are for 80degC - a lot of room for error if the quantity is not just so.
edit #3 - yes, your sump cover looks awesome
#4
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Ah excellent. Thanks chaps. Nice to be able to double-check before I go
pumping more fluid in.
I did think about measuring what came out as a guide to what to put back in.
However, a previous owner's remedial handy-work prevented me from being
able to see if it had the correct amount in to start with (see gauge pic).
I don't think the Durametric kit I have reads the ATF temperature...
(what we need is a proper review on that bit of kit - isn't that right Mojo )
Thanks again for your help. I'll go and put some more in.
pumping more fluid in.
I did think about measuring what came out as a guide to what to put back in.
However, a previous owner's remedial handy-work prevented me from being
able to see if it had the correct amount in to start with (see gauge pic).
I don't think the Durametric kit I have reads the ATF temperature...
(what we need is a proper review on that bit of kit - isn't that right Mojo )
Thanks again for your help. I'll go and put some more in.
#5
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Just an FYI, I believe I read that Porsche changed the recommended levels and the new marks on the gauge go higher. Not sure where I read it, maybe Adrian's book. Perhaps your new gauge has been updated by Porsche (do the marks match the old one)? Maybe someone else can chime in......
#7
Rennlist Member
Here's a TSB that referred to a misprint between MIN and MAX.
I seem to remember something about a different level recommended for extreme cold operations, but can't find the TSB.
I seem to remember something about a different level recommended for extreme cold operations, but can't find the TSB.
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#8
Rennlist Member
The bentley book and probably Adrain's book states that the '94 yr. model has 0.5 liters more than previous models and to add 15mm above 80degC for the MAX and to lower 3mm below the 80degC for the MIN. Seems to be the same guage for all model years then.
#9
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Yep, when I bought the new gauge I did check to see if they had revised the level, but the two are
identical - same part number, same distance between the marks.
In answer to your earlier question, Mojo, regarding the magnets - both had a covering of dark,
graphite coloured sludge, but the fluid itself was very clean and the internal metal was pristine.
So I guess the magnets do their job.
identical - same part number, same distance between the marks.
In answer to your earlier question, Mojo, regarding the magnets - both had a covering of dark,
graphite coloured sludge, but the fluid itself was very clean and the internal metal was pristine.
So I guess the magnets do their job.
#11
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Thread Starter
McQueen: Which 'Max'? The 30°c or 80°c? You mention the engine was cold, but was it running?
If it was running and it was slightly above the 30°c Max, then that sounds about perfect for the revised
Porsche guidelines as I'm guessing that should rise to just over the 80°c Max line when hot.
Pete: I used Comma ATV Dexron III
Still haven't topped mine up as it's freezing outside.
If it was running and it was slightly above the 30°c Max, then that sounds about perfect for the revised
Porsche guidelines as I'm guessing that should rise to just over the 80°c Max line when hot.
Pete: I used Comma ATV Dexron III
Still haven't topped mine up as it's freezing outside.
#12
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I had my Tip last serviced 4 years ago and is probably due for another. Since that service i have not ever bothered to check the oil level, but now i might just do that to reassure myself that it is correct.
Questions:
Without the hammer how can you "judge" that the temp is at or near 80 C? Do you drive around for 30 minutes normally and hope that that brings it up to the approx temp?
Surely there must be a reading for cold, no motor running? If the fluid is very high in the tube then its overfilled or none in the tube, underfilled?
If you knew your trans was filled to the correct level when hot and on level ground etc and then it showed, say, 10mm in the bottom of the tube when cold and engine off would/could that be considered an indication of a correctly filled trans?
What are the symptoms of an overfilled or underfilled transmission?
Some useless info:
There are 3 "versions" of the Tip trans:
Year Type Country Capacity
90/91 A50/01 Worldwide 9.0L
92/93/94 A50/02 ROW 9.5L
92/93/94 A50/03 USA 9.5L
A TSB increased the ATF capacity for the A50/01 to 9.5L
Questions:
Without the hammer how can you "judge" that the temp is at or near 80 C? Do you drive around for 30 minutes normally and hope that that brings it up to the approx temp?
Surely there must be a reading for cold, no motor running? If the fluid is very high in the tube then its overfilled or none in the tube, underfilled?
If you knew your trans was filled to the correct level when hot and on level ground etc and then it showed, say, 10mm in the bottom of the tube when cold and engine off would/could that be considered an indication of a correctly filled trans?
What are the symptoms of an overfilled or underfilled transmission?
Some useless info:
There are 3 "versions" of the Tip trans:
Year Type Country Capacity
90/91 A50/01 Worldwide 9.0L
92/93/94 A50/02 ROW 9.5L
92/93/94 A50/03 USA 9.5L
A TSB increased the ATF capacity for the A50/01 to 9.5L
#15
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jimq,
Once you have your car up on a lift (lucky you) check out the right hand side of the trans. It'll be the dirty crud covered thing hanging off the side...........and if you clean it it will look like RichieRoo's first post photo's.
While you're under there check the level when hot, in P and running................and again when cold, in P and not running............
Once you have your car up on a lift (lucky you) check out the right hand side of the trans. It'll be the dirty crud covered thing hanging off the side...........and if you clean it it will look like RichieRoo's first post photo's.
While you're under there check the level when hot, in P and running................and again when cold, in P and not running............