Universe93B

2018 Q5 - My private German mechanic wants me to drop off the Q5 the night before and cool down overnight before doing the DCT transmission fluid change at 40k miles. Isn't this opposite of what is usually done on other models? Warm tranny oil flows outs better than cold. Or is this a temperature thing that has to be matched when servicing this transmission? Just trying to get all the information I can to make this transmission last as long as possible. (Although by the looks of it, the vehicle has many other engine issues other than the transmission)

ribeye

I know you are supposed to measure the tranny fluid when it is warm, (At least it used to be that way) But tranny fluid is a lot thinner than oil, its almost like water, so I don't think it will make too much of a difference if it is hot or cold. Maybe he just does not want to deal with hot fluids. I had a mechanic that did not do tuneups when the engine was hot because he did not want to burn himself pulling plugs. He required the car in early just like your tranny guy.
Let us know what you find out.

SMac770

There's no need for the fluid to be hot or warm or room temp to drain. And it appears the fill is initially 3.5L. For checking the level, the fluid will need to be brought up to temp, but not necessary for the drain and initial fill.

Wires

I'd agree with this. One note about the plugs though: If they are hot, they can seize into the heads (plugs and heads expand at different rates), and you risk tearing out the threads, ending in a whole lot of sadness. So cold is best advice for plug changes.

Transmission fluid also doesn't get the same condensation, sludge, fuel mixing with oil issue like engine oil does.

thetrance

Ive had a shop tell me the same thing, that i'd need to drop it off the night before. I ended up going to a different place and they did it the same day.

toomanymc

Both my local dealer and my local VW/Audi shop told me this(40k and 80k service) but they also said if I came in the morning they could have it done by the end of the day as that would be sufficient time to cool