Thomas P

Has anyone changed their tranny fluid to synthetic. If so, could you advise as to the locations on the drain plug and the fill plug. Since the weather has become a little colder, the tranny is a little stiff to shift when the car is cold. I have used redline MTL in the past on my RX-7 turbo and is helped a great deal. Anyone with any comments or suggestions I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Dale B

The A4 comes with 75W-90 synthetic from the factory according to the factory shop manual, so you won't be gaining anything significant in ease of shifting unless you go to a lighter oil (which wouldn't meet specs). My 98 2.8 just hasn't been all that stiff, even in 10 degree F weather. (It is looser this year than last, however).<p>The drain plug is right on the bottom of the transmission. However, it takes a unique tool to remove it. Basically a 17 mm hex head (male), but with a hole in the middle. Audi put a little projection onto the plug to keep amateurs away. Haven't looked for the fill plug, but I'm sure it would be easy to spot around 1/3 or 1/2 way up the trans. on one of the sides, probably also 17 mm hex head to remove.<p>I've also used Redline MTL with good results in other cars.<p>Dale

JonC

My dealer says Audi's used synth. on all auto's since '86. FWIW I've also had very good luck w/ Redline MTL (in our Saab) and Mobil 1 gear oil (in my '73 Porsche), but sounds like you already have the synth. in there.