How to Locate the Transmission Fluid Dipstick on an Audi A6

Checking the fluids in your Audi A6 is an important preventative maintenance procedure that should be done on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the Audi AG engine contains a sealed transmission unit. This means that there is no traditional dipstick for the transmission but it is possible to access, add, or change the fluid. The procedure is a bit more in depth than normal transmission fluid changes. Audi states that the transmission fluid should last the life of your engine, but over time the transmission may wear down and it may be advisable to change the fluid.

Things You'll Need

  • Drip Pan
  • Transmission fluid, type varies
  • Transmission filter, if desired
  • High output pump, comes with transmission fluid kit
  • Socket wrench

To Access and Drain Transmission Fluid

  • Turn the engine on and allow it to idle for five to ten minutes to allow the fluids to circulate through the engine. Make sure the Audi is on level ground and the gear shifter is in park. The best area to do this check is having your car over a car maintenance pit.

  • Position yourself under the Audi and find the transmission pan, which looks like a black rectangle pan with a drain plug in the middle.

  • Remove the drain plug with a socket wrench and allow fluid to drain into a drip pan. This is the only way you are going to be able to access and remove the transmission fluid. You can proceed to remove the pan, drain any remaining fluid, remove and change the transmission fluid filter, put a new gasket on the pan, and put the pan back together.

To Fill or Add Transmission Fluid

  • Turn the engine on and allow it to idle for five to ten minutes to allow the fluids to circulate through the engine. Make sure the Audi is on level ground and the gear shifter is in park.

  • Position yourself under the Audi and find the transmission pan, which looks like a black rectangle pan with a drain plug in the middle.

  • Remove the transmission fill plug located on the side of the transmission pan by turning it with your hand until it releases.

  • Fill the transmission with new fluid with a special high output pump that comes with the fluid kit until it runs out the side.

  • Replace the cap hand tight.