Transmission Fluid Change

[robl]

Hello folks

I have a 2011 A3 TDI with 155k on the clock. I've looked through the cars service history and can't find any evidence of a transmission fluid change or service. Having done some online research it appears that these cars have been designed with 'maintenance free' transmissions. I find this hard to believe so keen to get any advice on whether a fluid change or flush is a good idea. Keen to keep the car running well for a while longer yet.

Many thanks in advance! 
Rob 
 

[Steve Q]

Welcome to the forum Rob :) 

youll find the members on here are a friendly and helpful bunch :) 

is your a3 a manual or auto? 

Abd who is ther service history with? I ask this because if Audi have serviced it then you can ring them and find out. Ideally ring the dealer who's worked on the car :) 

I myself have never heard of a maintenance free gearbox, but I'm sure the more experienced members will be able to help there. 

Cheers

steve

[Audi Owners Club.]

Hi Rob....welcome to the Forum

As Steve has stated, it is probably worth contacting the dealers that serviced the car to ask them if fluids have been replaced or when they should and even how much?

Some manual transmissions are sealed for life but mostly auto trans need the fluid and filter replacing periodically

Let us know how you get on

Cheers   Trevor

[Magnet]

Hello Robert,

I think you are wise to consider this as being an important aspect of the car's continuing maintenance. 155k miles in 6 years is high, and one would assume that that mileage may well have been covered via. long individual trips where all the mechanical components are happily running under best conditions - so minimising wear. Taxis however are likely to cover in excess of this on generally short trips, so thereby hangs another story! 

For some reason, I'm taking this to be automatic, and if so, I would be surprised if Audi have any service recommendations for the gearbox and as you say, go with the 'sealed for life' concept. Many manufacturers now do, but fluid and filter changes at your mileage is looked upon as worthwhile. I believe that the filters are internal and you will need to buy gaskets etc. for the auto sump pan, of course, as well as the correct expensive fluid. May be worth your while talking with a well respected local indie. who would be familiar with this, and it is probably well worth going down that route since you can take the opportunity of having the gearing set up again on the computer - re flash? 

Manual gearbox? Again worth changing at your mileage. A lot easier, but drain plug?? If not , they will need to resort to the oil suction method often used to remove engine oil. If it has a drain plug to drain the oil off then always ensure the refill plug is able to be removed before draining - other wise you are in great difficulties!

Kind regards, 

Gareth.

 

[robl]

Thank you all for the helpful advice! 

The car is a manual transmission (sorry should have said this in the initial post!). I bought the car at 135k miles from a company car driver (motorway miles, sales rep stuff etc) so it's generally not been too bashed around town etc. Service history was regular and with Audi main dealers before I bought it and switched to independents for servicing. My mileage is also fairly high so keen to keep the car well looked after and running well for the next 2-3 years until around 180-200k. The engine is very quiet and smooth for a diesel and seems to be running well so fingers crossed! Keen to hear any other maintenance tips for a high mileage vehicle such as this aside from the usual diligent servicing and oil changes.

I will take your advice and call the Audi dealer who serviced it to ask whether they changed the fluid and contact my local independent to take a look.

Thanks again
Rob
 

[Dan3222]

Gareth's (Magnet) advice is as usual top notch. He knows his stuff.

Unless your car has had issues with its gear box in the past the oil in it will be the original oil. As mentioned by Trevor also these gear boxes today are regarded as sealed for life or maintenance free. The independent gear box specialists are laughing quietly behind closed doors as this is keeping them quite busy with token boxes, worn bearings etc etc etc.

You are lucky that you have the manual though as these are more robust or another way of thinking less sensitive.

If u are going to keep the car for sometime then definately get the oil changed, just for peace of mind. As Gareth said source a local independent gearbox specialist if you aren't going to do the job yourself. If you do get the best oil you can buy, again for price of mind.

Other advice? Get your oil changed every 10-12,000 miles, again using the best oil and obviously the correct grade.

Dan

 

[Dan3222]

Also, you should never assume that an ex company car has not been thrashed or abused. If someone doesn't have to actually pay for bills for a car then they don't care how it is treated!! I used to drive company cars and while I did care for mine and they never missed a service etc I did put them through their paces from time to time!😬

[robl]

Thanks for the advice Dan! All makes good sense.

[Dan3222]

On 29/06/2017 at 5:34 PM, Dan3222 said:

 

Other advice? Get your oil changed every 10-12,000 miles, again using the best oil and obviously the correct grade.

 

Just for clarity I was referring to engine oil there btw 😎