Is the DSG service an essential before getting the TCU (DSG) tune?

**Slow8VA3** · 06-18-2021 05:18 PM

Hey y’all!
Im new to the Audi world and recently purchased a certified preowned 2017 Audi A3. The car currently has roughly 30,000 miles, I purchased it with 15,000. I’ve serviced it regularly since purchase. Im now looking into getting the APR stage 1 as well as the DSG tune and as everyone knows the internet is filled with all sorts of misinformation. In a post I read elsewhere and other things I’ve read said it would be a good idea to get a DSG service as well as a haldex service before getting the DSG tune. Im wondering if anyone on here has done the tune WITHOUT said services and if anyone did the tune WITH these services. Do people feel these are necessary? I know the DSG service is recommended around 35/45K miles, what about haldex services?
Thanks everyone!

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**MikTip** · 06-18-2021 06:03 PM

The service is based on miles....
However its a 2017... Audi publishes the maintenance intervals...which states exactly what and when to change....

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...aintenance.pdf

Yours maybe based on years old vise miles driven....

**MikTip** · 06-18-2021 06:34 PM

I diy both my DSG and Haldex. VW and Audi both changed haldex to 3 years reguardless of miles...so your haldex is over due....DSG would be a good idea to change cause yours is 4 years old...and the first DSG oil change is important.

It cant hurt to change. Could if not...

**Slow8VA3** · 06-19-2021 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by MikTip

I diy both my DSG and Haldex. VW and Audi both changed haldex to 3 years reguardless of miles...so your haldex is over due....DSG would be a good idea to change cause yours is 4 years old...and the first DSG oil change is important.

It cant hurt to change. Could if not...

I was interested in performing both services myself but I don’t have the tool needed to check fluid temperature (DSG) which in turn is suppose to correlate to fluid levels. Any chance you can link that? They want to charge an arm and a leg to perform the DSG when you can by the kit (gravity fed) for like less than $200.

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**MikTip** · 06-19-2021 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Slow8VA3

I was interested in performing both services myself but I don’t have the tool needed to check fluid temperature (DSG) which in turn is suppose to correlate to fluid levels. Any chance you can link that? They want to charge an arm and a leg to perform the DSG when you can by the kit (gravity fed) for like less than $200.

I use VCDS for the temp check, however after DIYing my DSG few times now (5 years & 150,000 miles) I dont check the temp as I have learned it reaches the temp very quickly while performing the drain procedure. I drive my S3 up on ramps to drain and fill its DSG. So the DSG is already warm. By the time I remove the battery and its tray to get at the filter change the filter and refill with oil..its cooled enough to do the drain proceedure. I fill my DSG thru the filter AKA Top fill method. DQ250 takes 5.5 quarts for refill. Then I put everything back together. Start the car and perform the drain. The times I had VCDS looking at the gearbox temp...it reached it within a minute. I could see needing the temp check if you live where it freezes and the gearbox is ice cold when you drain and fill... It has a fill tube. So You cannot over fill it.

OBD 11 may read the gearbox temp?

Or some other OBD read

The Hadlex...most pull the pump to inspect its screen. Which IMO is a good idea as it gives you visual indication of the Haldex internals.

Separate from the Haldex...the rear diff has a 75w-90 side. I change this oil too.

The DSG has a bevel box....separate from the DSG oil. The Bevel box uses 75w-90. I have found the bevel box oil needs changing...despite Audi saying lifetime fill.

**texasboy21** · 06-19-2021 07:51 AM

You don't need the service to tune, but it's always a good idea to ensure the car is properly serviced and maintained. It is also highly advocated for on this forum to focus on preventative maintenance aka replace things before they fail.

Some see it as over serving, but that approach has kept my cars on the road and performing well.

**MikTip** · 06-19-2021 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by texasboy21

You don't need the service to tune, but it's always a good idea to ensure the car is properly serviced and maintained. It is also highly advocated for on this forum to focus on preventative maintenance aka replace things before they fail.

Some see it as over serving, but that approach has kept my cars on the road and performing well.

You still have your A4?

I see mine every once in a while!