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Audi A4 B7: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid

Replacing the transmission fluid in your Audi A4 is a great way to lengthen its life and ensures slick shifting for a long time.

By Bassem Girgis - March 30, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A4 (2005-2008).

The transmission fluid in the Audi A4 is designed to last for a long time; according to Audi, it is good for the life of the car. Most service people you ask, though, would recommend you change it at least every 100k miles, and anything less than 50k miles is going to be overkill. Replacing the transmission fluid ensures the inside of your transmission stays lubricated and in good shape. If you don't know the last time anyone replaced the transmission fluid, and the odometer is close to 100k, then now is the time. Get ready to slide under your car and maybe get a little messy, but the outcome is worth 15 minutes of laying under your car. Read on to learn the messy details.

Audi A4 B7: How to Change Manual Transmission Fluid

Materials Needed

  • 2-3 quarts of GL-4 gear oil
  • Allen socket
  • Drain pan
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Fluid pump (optional)

Step 1 – Raise the car

Before draining the vehicle, you will need to raise the car and secure it with jack stands. The jack points for the Audi is behind the front wheels, and in front of the rear wheels. The jack stand points are directly next to the jack points, on the inside.

Raise and secure your car
Figure 1. Raise and secure your car.

Step 2 – Drain transmission fluid

Before removing the drain plug, locate the fill plug, which is on the side of the transmission, on the driver side. Remove the fill plug, which will allow the fluid to drain faster when you remove the drain plug. You also want to remove the fill plug first, because if it is stuck and you drain the old fluid, you won't be able to drive the car. Then, place a pan under the drain plug of your transmission and remove the plug. Wait for the fluid to completely drain.

Removing transmission fill and drain plugs, locations
Figure 2. Remove fill plug (red) first, then drain plug (blue).

Step 3 – Fill transmission with fluid

Close the drain plug and tighten it, then pump fluid in through the fill hole. You can either use a fluid pump, or you can route a hose from the top of the engine, then connect it to the transmission fluid bottle, and let gravity do the work for you. You will know the transmission is filled when you see fluid leaking out of the fill hole (2-3 quarts of GL-4 rated gear oil). Once you're done filling it, close and tighten the fill hole.

Fill transmission with fluid
Figure 3. Fill transmission with fluid.

Featured Video: Manual Transmission Fluid Change

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