Maintenance Warning: Boxster\Tiptronic

AFJuvat · 02-15-2004, 07:44 AM

Hello all, Just providing a public service announcement:

I'm doing a 90,000 mile service on a boxster with tiptronic. The maintenance schedule calls for ATF change at 90K

WARNING: Do not, under any circumstances, put any other transmission fluid other than the recommended ATF. The use of any other fluid will destroy the transmission!

The ATF is available through Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, as well as any supplier that deals with Exxon\Esso lubricants.

The required fluid is:

Esso LT 71141 ATF.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled forum browsing

AFJuvat

superglide · 01-12-2009, 12:59 PM

AF,
Well, it's time for me to do/get this done. A question for you, as you've helped me out in the past w/ my 911sc; Bentley says that the quantity of fluid for a change is 3.7 qts, and that the actual fluid capacity, including the torque converter is 9.5 quarts.

I'd like to get ALL the old fluid changed out, particularly as the change amount is such a low percentage of the total capacity. How? An in-shop fluid exchange machine? Would you advise a flush/cleaning in between the old and new fluids? Other than the proper fluid, is there anything to beware of (shops, process, etc)?

I have a new filter and gasket, and was going to do this myself, but if only 3.7 out of 9.5 quarts of fluid is replaced via the Bentley method, it doesn't seem to be that thorough.
Best Wishes for '09,
Andy

JMatta · 01-13-2009, 12:09 PM

Superglide,

I would think you'd be able to "suck" the fluid out with a vacuum pump (something like the Mighty-Vac). I bought one years ago to do brakes, but the pressure bled method is far superior.

Will be curious to see what AFJ thinks...

superglide · 01-13-2009, 12:44 PM

Yeah J,
I bought a small (but mighty) MightyVac years ago, to do my Harley, and it works fine for that 3 caliper system, albeit the short length of the brake lines.

I think that the main problem w/ this on our cars is that there's no filler/dipstick tube on top of the trans, to use this tool, in that application. What were they thinking??

I am considering the closed-loop fluid-replacement technique that's offered by most upscale auto service facilities, but I can't find anyone (so far) on any of the forums; who can say yea or nay, to this approach, given the oddities of our cars' trans drain/fill system.

And the same w/ the coolant change-out. In both the trans & cooling system, the modern approach is using the same type of machine(s) which are Big $$$ equipment; to remove, flush, and refill (with our Very Special) coolant, thus insuring a complete fluid swap. And which also, in both of these services; is a Major PITA, comparatively, if done by The Book... I'll stay tuned.
Best Wishes,
Andy ps: I know that you live in ChicagoLand, so I'll just tell you that I had a meeting out west of Tucson this morning, 13 Jan, over some great mountain roads, about 30mi each way, TOP DOWN, Bro!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMatta

Superglide,

I would think you'd be able to "suck" the fluid out with a vacuum pump (something like the Mighty-Vac). I bought one years ago to do brakes, but the pressure bled method is far superior.

Will be curious to see what AFJ thinks...

JMatta · 01-14-2009, 06:52 AM

I guess I'm thinking of my 911, where the plug is on the side of the tranny. Easy to stick the hose in and fill or empty.

Haven't seen a tip tranny in person, so I guess I don't know where the filler/drain plugs are.

cvhs18472 · 01-19-2009, 04:01 AM

I changed the fluid and filter when I purchased my 98. It only had 23K on the clock but it was 8 years old. When you drop the pan to change the filter, you do not have to worry about getting all the old fluid out. It's not like changing the oil but it is not that hard either. Ed

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-29-2009, 12:21 PM

I've done the fluid swap and it's a little involved. First, use either the Esso or the Pentosin equivalent. You get the car warm and drain out all the old fluid. It will be 9.5qts. I don't have the bentley handy, but adding the fluid has to be done at a certian temperature using a pump with the engine running. Once it reaches the fill line, you run the car in each gear for 30 seconds or so to pump all the fluid through the tranny. Top up fluid if needed. This will all be covered in the 101 projects for your Porsche Boxster book coming soon (shameless plug)