Transmission fluid change... $865??

[stateofidleness]

So.. just got quoted $865 for a transmission fluid change (routine flush/fill) on my '00 Tip

is this right?? wtf?

just priced the "kit" on ebay and it's about $100 for the all the parts, i figure 1-200 more for the fluid which leaves $500-$600 labor (this is an Indie).

Seriously, is this something I can do myself without "specialty" tools?

[Bala]

What? Even 100 is way off. I just changed on my S. 3 quarts at 14 bucks. Thats it.

It is so simple a caveman can do it. Sounds like the dealer near me who wanted 540 for an alignment!

[JFP in PA]

Changing the fluid in a Tip is a DIY project, but you will need some tools to do it as the transmission is filled from the bottom...............

[tonycarreon]

i was quoted $208 for fluid, $150 for labor. another (well known to the forum) shop quoted $300 for the fluid, $250 for the labor...

[stateofidleness]

wow... hmm... what "special" tools are needed? i found some DIY's online, but either pics are lacking, it's for a manual, or there's a bunch of Porsche tools needed for the TIP. What's the best DIY available for this?

[ekam]

Happy ending is included in the price.

[Johnny Danger]

$865 for a transmission fluid change !! Who's doing the work, Angelina Jolie ??

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by stateofidleness

wow... hmm... what "special" tools are needed? i found some DIY's online, but either pics are lacking, it's for a manual, or there's a bunch of Porsche tools needed for the TIP. What's the best DIY available for this?

Because you are literally filling the Tip trans through a port in the bottom of the pan, you need some type of pumping device, a hose with an inverted "J" end on it, and some ingenuity. These shots are a Tip in an Audi, but it is the same gearbox. You don't need to have the very best stuff to do it, as you can see from the third picture, but good equipment does make it easier. Motive makes a tool to do this.

[Bala]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Changing the fluid in a Tip is a DIY project, but you will need some tools to do it as the transmission is filled from the bottom...............

Sorry! Missed the "Tip" part. Mine is manual. Why would they put both holes at the bottom?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Bala

Sorry! Missed the "Tip" part. Mine is manual. Why would they put both holes at the bottom?

If you ever saw a Tip out of the car, it becomes more obvious, you have a lot of "stuff" (like a water to oil cooler much like the engine uses) mounted on the outside of the case to create a compact package. Because the transmission has no dipstick, they chose this approach, which works just fine as long as you understand what you are dealing with...............

[stateofidleness]

dang... I may try this as a DIY and save myself 5-600$...

still sourcing the tools for the "double lip seal" removal/installation though

one setback after another with this thing.. missing all the good weather days!

[Bala]

Fiven that the fill hole is in the front, maybe if you raise the front as much as possible the feed should move the fluid to the rear? Also for the feed you could try IV style. You will need a long tube though.

[tonycarreon]

Originally Posted by Bala

Fiven that the fill hole is in the front, maybe if you raise the front as much as possible the feed should move the fluid to the rear?

you want it to be level, or you'll be dealing with an under/over fill...

[JFP in PA]

The car must be level when doing a Tip service due to how you adjust the fluid level. Nothing else will work correctly.

[harryrcb]

One important point on checking the fluid is that the trans oil temp must be between 30 and 40 deg C or you can over or under fill the transmission. Also it needs to be checked with the car running in park. As JFP mentioned it needs to be level.

[tuanle16]

how often are you suppose to be changing the transmission fluid? if this is a DIY, what is the work around for removing the specialty drain and fill plugs? i have a 02 5 speed manual. thanks.

[eicheldp]

I don't know if this will help, but I just watched the episode of Wheeler Dealer on Velocity and they refurbed a Boxster S w/ a Tiptronic. He went through the procedure to change out the oil & filter in the transmission.

Wheeler Dealers : Velocity

[Jager]

Originally Posted by tuanle16

how often are you suppose to be changing the transmission fluid? if this is a DIY, what is the work around for removing the specialty drain and fill plugs? i have a 02 5 speed manual. thanks.

Work around for removing the drain and fill plugs? I recommend buying the tools, one is a 16mm anti-tamper triple square and the other is a 17mm plug removal tool.


Here is one supplier of these tools:
Porsche Boxster Tools - Page 2

[Mark_T]

Those Pelican prices are ridiculous. Snap-on wants $10.80 for the 16mm triple square (BluePoint) and 20.75 for the 17mm hex (Snap-on).

[NewArt]

JFP, LOVE that high tech fluid pump in photo 3! I'll be sure to use it when I get mine back together!