Having the required tools and the procedural knowledge for performing this service is critical.
It is recommended that you warm up the engine to operating temperature. Drive the vehicle and make sure that the transmission operates properly; shifting correctly in all gears and speeds. It’s beneficial to let the car cool down overnight before starting the transmission service. Attention: Hot oil can scold!
Porsche recommends also draining the transmission oil cooler when servicing the automatic transmission. Consult the factory manual for this additional procedure.
Note: this process will require two people when refilling the transmission fluid.
Required tools and parts:
-A suitable diagnostic tool for proper filling of transmission fluid and performing the transmission adaptation procedure.
-12 – 14 liter capacity fluid container.
-Assorted metric sockets, wrenches and screwdrivers.
-1/4” drive In/Lb. torque wrench.
-3/8” drive Ft/Lb. torque wrench.
-Lint free towels are imperative for this procedure.
-Transmission filter screen (Genuine Porsche or OEM components are preferred)
-Transmission filter screen O-ring (Genuine Porsche or OEM components are preferred)
-Transmission oil pan gasket (Genuine Porsche or OEM components are preferred)
-10 Liters of genuine Porsche transmission fluid (oil)
-Oil pump with reservoir and hose (for filling the transmission with fluid-oil)
Transmission service procedure:
- Perform these procedures with the vehicle turned off and the parking brake firmly set. You might want to put the car keys on the workbench or similar place but not in the ignition or in the car where it could inadvertently be started while the service is taking place.
- One important tech note is to make sure that you never set the alarm/key remote near a strong magnet or in a magnetic tray. This might accidently remove the memory of the electronic alarm/key remote.
- Remove the transmission underbody panel.
- Remove the oil drain plug; drain the automatic transmission fluid into a suitable container capable of safely handling at least 12 liters of fluid (oil). Replace the oil drain plug- sealing washer, reinstall and torque the drain plug to 21.0’ Ft/Lbs. Transmission oil drain plug (10mm x 1.00mm).
- Remove all transmission oil pan fasteners and then the transmission oil pan.
- It is imperative that you smell the transmission oil to make sure that it is not burnt, this is critical in the process of servicing any transmission. If you are not aware of what the transmission oil should normally smell like. If the oil is burnt, the transmission is in need of additional repairs.
- Visually inspect the transmission oil pan very closely for any debris, bits, metal particles and or other Clutch debris. If an excessive amount of debris is found, this usually indicates a pending internal transmission failure, normally there is very little debris. The 5 oil pan internal magnets should be in their correct positions and are supposed to be relatively clear of debris.
- Replace the transmission filter screen and filter screen O-ring, lube the new O-ring with fresh ATF oil. Torque the filter screen fasteners to 90.0” In/Lbs.
- Install the transmission oil pan with a new oil pan gasket. Torque all oil pan fasteners to 90.0” In/Lbs.
- Remove the transmission oil fill inspection plug (24mm x 1.5mm); fill the transmission with fluid until it overflows slightly. This will require a reservoir, fluid pump and hose.
- Have a second person inside the vehicle that will be utilizing the diagnostic tester and also paying close attention to the transmission oil temperature. Start the car while the other person continues to add fluid to the transmission, stop adding fluid once it overflows. As the engine and transmission are warming up, the transmission should be overflowing some fluid. While fluid is still being added as needed, the person inside the vehicle should firmly apply the foot brake and shift through all gears, R-N-D a few times while at idle speed pausing 1-2 seconds per selection mode. Please note: If you see foamy ATF oil exiting the oil inspection fill plug hole, stop because this usually indicates a problem. Typically indicative of a torn or damaged oil filter O-Ring.
- Put the vehicle in Park. When the transmission reaches 40°C (104°F) and only a slight amount of fluid is overflowing out of the fill plug, it is now full of fluid and the oil inspection plug can be reinstalled. Torque the oil inspection plug to 25.0’ Ft/Lbs.
- Test-drive the vehicle. After the test drive, inspect the transmission carefully for any fluid leaks and reinstall the underbody paneling per the factory workshop manual. Tighten all sheet metal screws by hand and torque the underbody panel bolts to 90.0” In/Lbs.
Porsche also recommends performing a “Transmission Initial Adaptation” after servicing the automatic transmission. Consult the factory manual for this additional procedure.