ATF issues and question

[KJack]

I had my timing belt replaced by a local import repair place yesterday and they informed me that during the process the coolant and transmission lines were disconnected and leaked, so they replaced my ATF with Mobil 1 GL-5, MT-1, full synthetic. I want to flush that stuff out of there and replace it with OEM fluid instead but I'm having a tough time getting a straight answer on what fluid to use. The fluid that was drained was brown, so I figured that the replacement fluid would be G 055 005 A2 (tan colored stuff). I called an Audi dealer to see if they had it in stock (they didn't) and he looked up my vin and said that my car requires G 060 162 A2 (green stuff). I spoke to people at Audi's part dept and service dept and neither seemed to be sure of anything. Which should I use? Or is there another ATF that I can use that meets Audi specs?

[vce1232000]

https://jhmotorsports.com/shop/catal...-s4-p-929.html

[wding2000]

KJack,

You did not say what car you have. If you have 6-speed tip automatic Quattro, like mine, then following info may help you, as I have been doing some research for trans fluid for flush work. However, if your have a different trans, then I am not sure it applies. Your old brown looking fluid could be from original tan fill, or contaminated blue. The sure way is to look at your VIN.

There are three type fluids:
- G055005A2 or ZF LifeGuard 6 (tan): these are factory fill for A4 2005 and early 2006 models. These cannot be mixed with new fluids (below) unless you have dealer update ECU software to a new version. If not, you need to stick with LG 6 fluid.
- G055162A2 or LG 6+ (blue): these are factory fill from late 2006 models.
- G060162A2 or LG 8 (green): these are replacement for blue LG6+, and blue and green can be mixed. LG 8 is also used for ZF 8-speed auto trans.

Due to switch date in 2006, that is why you have to look at your VIN number, starting from the 8th digit from right. It should start with 5, 6, 7, or 8 (for 2005, 2006 etc).
- VIN 5A40000 - 6A99999: factory filled with LG 6 (tan);
- VIN 6B00000 - : factory fill LG 6+ (blue), can use LG 8 (green).

You can buy ZF fluids, which is exactly what Audi sells, but at lower price. There are other generic ATFs, such as Motul ATF VI, Liqui Molly Top Tech ATF 1800, at even lower price. These are reputable brands, but I do not know how theirs compare with ZF fluids. I figure who knows the best of trans fluid than manufacturer itself, and I am not changing ATF on yearly basis. So I will go with ZF. But it is your call.

Once again, if you have a different trans, then I do not know. One way to make sure is to go under car to look at label on trans - it should have 6HP19 and model# 1071-040xxx.

[nachofly]

best you can do son its take a picture of the transmission plate and send it to this good fellas and they will give the right answer



http://www.thectsc.com/http://www.thectsc.com/

For example, i thought i had to buy lifeguard 6 and i was wrong, mine its lifeguard 8+

[ADCS]

KJack,

You did not say what car you have. If you have 6-speed tip automatic Quattro, like mine, then following info may help you, as I have been doing some research for trans fluid for flush work. However, if your have a different trans, then I am not sure it applies. Your old brown looking fluid could be from original tan fill, or contaminated blue. The sure way is to look at your VIN.

There are three type fluids:
- G055005A2 or ZF LifeGuard 6 (tan): these are factory fill for A4 2005 and early 2006 models. These cannot be mixed with new fluids (below) unless you have dealer update ECU software to a new version. If not, you need to stick with LG 6 fluid.
- G055162A2 or LG 6+ (blue): these are factory fill from late 2006 models.
- G060162A2 or LG 8 (green): these are replacement for blue LG6+, and blue and green can be mixed. LG 8 is also used for ZF 8-speed auto trans.

Due to switch date in 2006, that is why you have to look at your VIN number, starting from the 8th digit from right. It should start with 5, 6, 7, or 8 (for 2005, 2006 etc).
- VIN 5A40000 - 6A99999: factory filled with LG 6 (tan);
- VIN 6B00000 - : factory fill LG 6+ (blue), can use LG 8 (green).

You can buy ZF fluids, which is exactly what Audi sells, but at lower price. There are other generic ATFs, such as Motul ATF VI, Liqui Molly Top Tech ATF 1800, at even lower price. These are reputable brands, but I do not know how theirs compare with ZF fluids. I figure who knows the best of trans fluid than manufacturer itself, and I am not changing ATF on yearly basis. So I will go with ZF. But it is your call.

Once again, if you have a different trans, then I do not know. One way to make sure is to go under car to look at label on trans - it should have 6HP19 and model# 1071-040xxx.

This is fantastic! Thanks for posting this.

[ADCS]

best you can do son its take a picture of the transmission plate and send it to this good fellas and they will give the right answer



http://www.thectsc.com/http://www.thectsc.com/

For example, i thought i had to buy lifeguard 6 and i was wrong, mine its lifeguard 8+

FWIW, the 6HP19A trans plate is on the bottom-front of the bell housing. In the area near the circular electrical connector.

[wding2000]

You are welcome. It is more fun sharing with and learning from others, isn't it?

[KJack]

Great info, thanks guys. My car is indeed a 6 spd tiptronic auto Quattro, and I'm embarrassed that I left out such an important piece of info in the original post. My VIN has a 7 so it looks like the green stuff is correct. The sticker in my owners manual shows a transmission code of HYH, but I'll take a pic of the transmission plate and verify with the guys from the link that was shared. Thanks again!

[mastiffhound]

I have a question regarding the 8th digit, my 8th digit is E, 9th is 6, 10th is 7, 11th is A then it's followed by 1xxxxx (x represents all numbers)? So what would that be as far as ATF fluid? My car is sitting and the trans filter says Dez. 2006. If that is December then that would be end of the year, so that would be more likely the green? I'm color blind but my friend said it has a greenish tinge but I want to be sure.

[KJack]

"Once again, if you have a different trans, then I do not know. One way to make sure is to go under car to look at label on trans - it should have 6HP19 and model# 1071-040xxx."

Well, my transmission is apparently different. The label on mine says 107113600603761200. After some thought, however, I've decided not to tackle the transmission fluid change myself anyway. Between not being 100% sure of the fluid type and not having access to a Vag Com setup, there are too many risks involved. I'm taking it to an Audi certified shop to have it done properly and I plan to present the repair bill to the other import repair place that put the wrong fluid in to begin with. Hopefully, they'll respond favorably rather than getting the lawyers involved. I'm probably looking at $700 + $200 tow (nearest Audi shop is 45 minutes away) to get this issue resolved. Lesson learned.

[ADCS]

"Once again, if you have a different trans, then I do not know. One way to make sure is to go under car to look at label on trans - it should have 6HP19 and model# 1071-040xxx."

Well, my transmission is apparently different. The label on mine says 107113600603761200. After some thought, however, I've decided not to tackle the transmission fluid change myself anyway. Between not being 100% sure of the fluid type and not having access to a Vag Com setup, there are too many risks involved. I'm taking it to an Audi certified shop to have it done properly and I plan to present the repair bill to the other import repair place that put the wrong fluid in to begin with. Hopefully, they'll respond favorably rather than getting the lawyers involved. I'm probably looking at $700 + $200 tow (nearest Audi shop is 45 minutes away) to get this issue resolved. Lesson learned.

Good decision.
And just for the record, the part number you listed looks like it is from one of the paper stickers on the side of the bell housing. I have a sticker with similar looking numbers. What you need to look for is the metal green name plate that is on the very bottom of the bell housing a few inches to the left of the big electrical connector. Close to where the engine/trans meet. The green label will give you your trans code in order to determine which fluid it came with from the factory.

[mastiffhound]

Sorry, I missed the 8 from the right, that puts mine at 7A, so it's green fluid (G060162A2) for me I think. If wding2000 comes along and confirms then I should be all set. That leaves me at getting FEBI Bilstein (it comes in the exact same bottle as the ZF for some reason), ZF, Ravenol, or Red line (cheapest but would only buy it as a last resort I think). Any experience with the Ravenol? The Bilstein looks to be ZF with the same exact bottle but different colors (FB is black and grey, ZF is all white). I'm thinking the Bilstein is what I'm getting.

[KJack]

Sorry, I missed the 8 from the right, That leaves me at getting FEBI Bilstein (it comes in the exact same bottle as the ZF for some reason), ZF, Ravenol, or Red line (cheapest but would only buy it as a last resort I think). Any experience with the Ravenol? The Bilstein looks to be ZF with the same exact bottle but different colors (FB is black and grey, ZF is all white). I'm thinking the Bilstein is what I'm getting.

Check out this thread. This person had a nightmare of a time dealing with non-OEM fluid.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/archiv.../t-582935.html

[mastiffhound]

Yeah, I came across that thread right after I posted. Ravenol was out when I read that. Here are the pics of the ZF and Bilstein-




Both made in Germany with the same exact bottle. I worked at Advance Auto for 2 years and noticed a lot of manufacturers are just rebranded stuff. For instance, Advance Auto brand oil was just Havoline with a different label and cap (I think it went to Kendal next, I don't know what they are currently using for store brand). Spark plugs, components (like insulators) are made by Champion (Federal Mogal). My pops works for them and he was amazed at all the different brands that Fed Mog makes. I think Bosch and Mobil 1 oil filters are the same too.

[wding2000]

Sorry, I missed the 8 from the right, that puts mine at 7A, so it's green fluid (G060162A2) for me I think. If wding2000 comes along and confirms then I should be all set. That leaves me at getting FEBI Bilstein (it comes in the exact same bottle as the ZF for some reason), ZF, Ravenol, or Red line (cheapest but would only buy it as a last resort I think). Any experience with the Ravenol? The Bilstein looks to be ZF with the same exact bottle but different colors (FB is black and grey, ZF is all white). I'm thinking the Bilstein is what I'm getting.

I should probably put standard disclaimer that this is for information only and you are making decisions on your own judgment and risk. :).
That being said, if your trans manufacturing date is indeed Dec 2006, it is probably a safe bet that it ends up in 2007 model. Not a VIN expert, but your E67A does seem suggest 07 model, even though I am not sure what the 6 is. By the way, mine is E08A for 08 model.
I have no experience about Febi fluid, though I have Febi for some other parts. For me, I would not use it, unless very sure. Unlike other parts, if it is subpar, you can just replace it. Trans is complicated, and very expensive. That is why I spend a lot of time to make sure. But that's just me.

[wding2000]

Check out this thread. This person had a nightmare of a time dealing with non-OEM fluid.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/archiv.../t-582935.html

Read the thread. The mechanics did it wrong: not monitor temp, the worst: after fill, open fill plug while engine off, and WRONG fluid. Drain and fill will use at most 6 liters, so you are looking at maybe $60 saving with non ZF, only ended up paying a lot more with complete flush.

[Sanjman]

Yeah, I came across that thread right after I posted. Ravenol was out when I read that. Here are the pics of the ZF and Bilstein-




Both made in Germany with the same exact bottle. I worked at Advance Auto for 2 years and noticed a lot of manufacturers are just rebranded stuff. For instance, Advance Auto brand oil was just Havoline with a different label and cap (I think it went to Kendal next, I don't know what they are currently using for store brand). Spark plugs, components (like insulators) are made by Champion (Federal Mogal). My pops works for them and he was amazed at all the different brands that Fed Mog makes. I think Bosch and Mobil 1 oil filters are the same too.

WRONG. mobil 1 oil filters are fram filters. FACT. Avoid both filters at all costs. Don't ask how I know just search.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using Tapatalk

[mastiffhound]

I should probably put standard disclaimer that this is for information only and you are making decisions on your own judgment and risk. :).
That being said, if your trans manufacturing date is indeed Dec 2006, it is probably a safe bet that it ends up in 2007 model. Not a VIN expert, but your E67A does seem suggest 07 model, even though I am not sure what the 6 is. By the way, mine is E08A for 08 model.
I have no experience about Febi fluid, though I have Febi for some other parts. For me, I would not use it, unless very sure. Unlike other parts, if it is subpar, you can just replace it. Trans is complicated, and very expensive. That is why I spend a lot of time to make sure. But that's just me.

Yes, mine is in fact an 2007. I had two others look at the fluid and they both said green. With all the info and my call to Audi about my vin I'm 99.999% sure that it's the G060162A2 (green) fluid. I sent an inquiry to rmeuropeon.com about FB ATF as far as color and any other info they have, it looks to be newish as the first post about it here that I found was June 2015. I wonder if the exclusive rights (or whatever they might be called in Germany) finally expired and the company that makes the fluid can now sell it under other brand names?

Ooops my fault about the Mobil 1 filters, it just proves my point though of how convoluted and underhanded the auto parts aftermarket is. Fram must make the Mopar oil filters too. Different paint and you now have a $13 filter instead of a $5 filter. I shouldn't be so critical, other industries do the same thing, health care being the worst. I doubt the scissors I have from the hospital that were sent home with my brother for removing bandages from his burns actually cost the $106 dollars they charged

[mastiffhound]

I went ahead and ordered the ZF LG8 ATF as rmeuropeon.com never got back to me about the FB ATF. I checked around and found it at importecwarehouse.com. They showed up a bunch of times when I did a search on here as being kosher so I went with them as the price was better for the same ZF ATF. They also do paypal, which I've only had to deal with once about a bad order. It was fixed in minutes so I feel pretty safe with them. Thanks for all the help guys!

[nachofly]

no worries buddy, that's why are here for....hope everything goes well. A double flush of ATF worked well for me, plus a TCM reset too.

[wding2000]

I am waiting my LG8 fluid, ATF filter and gasket (all ZF) as well - from FCPEuro.

[nachofly]

good on ya, let us know how it evolves.

[ADCS]

I am waiting my LG8 fluid, ATF filter and gasket (all ZF) as well - from FCPEuro.

+1 for FCP.
Make sure you also change the drain plug and the gasket for the fill plug.

[wding2000]

"Make sure you also change the drain plug and the gasket for the fill plug." I did not thought about it.

Are these one-time use items, or just precaution?

[wding2000]

Finally I got time to do trans fluid. It is rather smooth, except that I striped one bolt taking it off, but managed to use a 4mm hex to get it out - panicked a bit be honest . Run to dealer and they do not have in stock! Managed to put it back on with hex and torqued right. It appears these bolt corners are made of softer metal, once striped is exactly hex shape.




I compared stock genuine filter and gasket with ZF - they have exactly the same markings except for maybe batch numbers.
Old stock

New ZF


I only managed to refill about 4.4 liters (including spillage). I tried several times and made sure @ 40C, but that is. Then I looked at drained - less than 5 qts, so it is about right. Haynes manual and DIY all say 7mm drain plug, but I actually have 5 mm, so I did not follow 12Nm torque spec, rather hand tightened it by feel. Fill plug is indeed 17mm, and torqued to 80Nm exactly. The pan has some sludge sediments and metal particles on magnets. Once done, took it for a test drive, smooth as before, as it should be. Comparing the old and new fluids, I am glad I did this.

[wding2000]

Picked up some new trans pan bolts from dealer to replace the stripped one, then noticed it is T27, not T25 (at least for my 2008 A4). Wondering how I tripped them - it was not that bad I only stripped one (or two) ....

[seanf86]

I had my timing belt replaced by a local import repair place yesterday and they informed me that during the process the coolant and transmission lines were disconnected and leaked, so they replaced my ATF with Mobil 1 GL-5, MT-1, full synthetic. I want to flush that stuff out of there and replace it with OEM fluid instead but I'm having a tough time getting a straight answer on what fluid to use. The fluid that was drained was brown, so I figured that the replacement fluid would be G 055 005 A2 (tan colored stuff). I called an Audi dealer to see if they had it in stock (they didn't) and he looked up my vin and said that my car requires G 060 162 A2 (green stuff). I spoke to people at Audi's part dept and service dept and neither seemed to be sure of anything. Which should I use? Or is there another ATF that I can use that meets Audi specs?

GL-5 MT-1 is gear oil, I'd hope they didnt put that in your auto trans... did anyone else catch that??

[KJack]

GL-5 MT-1 is gear oil, I'd hope they didnt put that in your auto trans... did anyone else catch that??

Yes, they added gear oil to my auto trans and it shifted horribly, which is what tipped me off to the problem. I drove it 2 miles home and then had it transported via flatbed to a certified Audi shop who then drained it, replaced the filter and put correct fluid back in. It shifts perfectly now, and I haven't had any issues since I had correct fluid added about a month ago. The Audi mechanic suspected that they only added a small amount of gear oil because the fluid that came out was mostly green and didn't have the distinct smell of gear oil. Still, it was enough to cause hard shifting and resulted in an $800 bill to fix the issue. I'm taking the original shop to small claims over it because they aren't taking responsibility.

[b7quattrosline]

curious as to what happened with your court case?