General Automatic fluid change

[savs]

Greetings all - no posts recently since all going so well!

I asked my local garage if they could change my automatic transmission fluid while it was in for a service (I've got an '04 diesel auto). After some research they came back and said that the fluid is never changed as part of a scheduled service, which is why there's no plug (and its a major job if it ever did need changing). Can anyone conform this - and does it sound like a recipe for long term problems, since I used to reckon that auto fluid should be changed every year?

Best regards, Andy

 

[Stu DemonD]

The service sheet is here:

https://www.fiatforum.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=5194&ppuser=5972

 

[savs]

Stuart - thanks, my schedule is in the car at the garage! If I've read this correctly, the fluid level is checked/topped up but never changed. They're obviously the experts, but do you think this is a good idea to leave the same fluid in for the lifetime of the auto box? (the garage tell me there is a sensor that would alert to a problem with the fluid)

Best regards, Andy

 

[poggy]

From the sevice CD it looks like it has a wear sensor for the oil.

2.0 16v

Operation

2.0 16v

- Position the vehicle on a lift.
- See in Op. 1048A11 - COMPLETE AIR FILTER -R.R..
- Raise the vehicle on the lift.
- See in Op. 7055B54 - PROTECTIVE SHIELD UNDER ENGINE - R.R..


In the case of maintenance operations it may be necessary to drain the system either partly or completely; the operation of totally draining the system will produce around 4 litres of fluid, dismantling the hydraulic unit casing will produce around 1.5 litres of fluid, replacing the complete hydraulic unit will produce around 4.5 litres of fluid and dismantling the converter will produce about 5 litres of fluid

The (AL4) automatic transmission is fitted with an oil wear counter, see Descriptions and Operation; the value memorized in this counter must be updated, using the EXAMINER, each time an operation requiring the addition of at least 0.5 litres of fluid is carried out.

- Position a container to collect the automatic transmission fluid.
1.. 1. Undo the plug and drain the transmission fluid.





2.0 16v

- Tighten the oil drain plug.


Value - daNm Fastening Component Ø
- 4,5 Oil drain plug AUTO TRANSMISSION FLUID -


- Lower the vehicle.
1.. 1. Remove the filler plug and, using a suitable refilling system, proceed with refilling the gearbox using the product recommended for the maintenance operation carried out.





2.0 16v

- Refit the filler plug tightening it fully.
- See in Op. 0010T45 - AUTOMATIC TRNASMISSION FLUID- Check level and top up if necessary.
- Raise the vehicle.
- See in Op. 7055B54 - PROTECTIVE SHIELD UNDER ENGINE - R.R..
- Lower the vehicle.
- See in Op. 1048A11 - COMPLETE AIR FILTER -R.R..
- Remove the vehicle from the lift.

 

[savs]

Thanks Poggy - thanks for this. The technical stuff is all beyond me, but it looks as though it can be done if necessary. Do you have a view on whether its worth doing - or rely on the sensor to pick up any problems?

Best regards, Andy

 

[poggy]

As long as there is plenty of fluid I would be inclined to leave it. I don't think there is much that can contaminate the fluid.

Might be worth changing the coolant regulary as it flows through the gearbox.

 

[savs]

Thanks for the tip.