Does this make sense? Filling automatic gearbox's

[Matty-MK3]

I need to fill up my auto box. It's low on oil, however, I see no dipstick to fill.

Apparently, you start the car up, undo the drain plug with the engine runing and add oil until it pours out. If you turn the engine off, the gearbox oil all goes back down to the pan and proceeds to pour out the drain plug. 

Does this make sense?

Here's a pic:



Number 2 is where the oil drains if there is too much when the engines on.

Is this right?

[Wayne]

I believe your gearbox is the same as the BMWs and is sealed for life, if you have a dipstick then it is not.

Also not sure in what your saying as running it like that means you could run the risk of it having no oil.

[Paul86S2]

The atf temp must be between 35 and 45 degrees C to get an accurate level.

You will need to make sure the temp doesn't go above 45 degrees when you are doing this. The car also needs to be perfectly level.

You will also need to replace the drain plug before you turn the engine off.

How do you know your gearbox is low on oil?

Paul

[AudiA8Quattro]

The atf temp must be between 35 and 45 degrees C to get an accurate level.

You will need to make sure the temp doesn't go above 45 degrees when you are doing this. The car also needs to be perfectly level.

You will also need to replace the drain plug before you turn the engine off.

How do you know your gearbox is low on oil?

Paul

Thats the same as filling the auto box on the A8.
Do you have to fill the box from underneath like the A8?, which has a recessed filler plug in the sump.

[Matty-MK3]

It has a tube and a cap. you pull the cap off and it's right at the bottom.

It takes some time getting in reverse and forwards sometimes and a mechanic advised it needs more oil

[AudiA8Quattro]

Would it not be easier to just change the oil completely?

[Wayne]

Would it not be easier to just change the oil completely?

+1 would a good idea, also worth draining it into a clean container and seeing if any metal bits are in it or if it smells burnt.

[Matty-MK3]

Been strongly advised against that as, as it hasn't been changed for so long (if at all) changing the oil could cause the end of it.

Something about the clutches slipping or something? If you have a read on the internet, loads of people advise against it, so I don't really want to go down that route.

[AudiA8Quattro]

I never heard anyone advise against changing the oil in an auto box.
Not changing the oil is usually the death of the box.

[Matty-MK3]

Something about clutches slipping? 

I don't really know but I do not want the gearbox to go.