mwspera

The manuals (owner and factory service) all recommend fluid change for the CVT at 105K. The procedure for changing the trans fluid in a CVT really requires a lift and the possibility of dealing with 200 degree trans oil. I am O.K. with paying the dealer the estimated $400 to do it. But, when I asked the service advisor, he said they don't recommend it. He said something to the effect that "it causes more problems than it cures" and that "if the trans if functioning properly, their advice is to leave it alone". I have been involved with cars for 40+ years and find this approach to transmission fluid change a little surprising. It seems like they are getting customer complaints so they are shying away from it. Could they be botching the job by not following the rather specific instructions? Or, has the fluid spec changed and this may be causing driveability problems.
Anyone have any info.?
Thanks,
Mike

entryleveluxurysedan

My dealer says change it only if not exceeded 105K. I'm at 73K and will probably get it done. I was quoted $250 range.

diagnosticator1

schedule for the CVT. The internal operating conditions that exist in the CVT result in the gradual accumulation of wear particles and loss of fluid viscosity and film strength required for the CVT to operate properly and avoid excessive wear. The scheduled fluid change for the CVT is not optional. Disregard any advice suggesting that it is not needed, or you risk early failure of the CVT.
Instead of the dealer, I recommend you obtain the required service at a ZF authorized transmission repair shop in your area.

The fluid change interval is 40K miles, or ~63.3K km.

mwspera

Automatics are notoriously "dirty" transmissions and I cannot fathom the dealer's attitude. The "creep" clutch and the belt has to have deposited a ton of crud in that trans by now. My driving preference for letting the dealer do it is the warranty (12mo/12,000mi). If all the service is performed by Audi and something goes wrong, there are few fingers to point when I (at least atttempt to) hold them accountable. Yes, I know every manufacturer and their dealer critters try to dodge all responsibility, but it looks better on the lawsuit that the car was never touched by anyone but them.

diagnosticator1

but having the maintenance done by a ZF authorized shop reduces possible exposure to incompetent work, and ZF will back the shops warranty for any maintenance work performed also.