Changing the automatic transmission fluid

[jonbentley]

Hi
after reading on another porsche forum about the problems somone had with their Tip box on a 996 failing, there was a suggestion that the fluid should be changed earlier than the recommended 90k (i think that was what was said)

Is this correct? and if so - given that mine has 60K on it now, should I be looking to change the fluid in mine (which seems fine except immediately on start up)

Can it be done without full height ramps? and does it need to be flushed at all, if so what with? what fluid does it need?

oh, and how do you drain / refill the box?

many thanks in advance, if anyone has experience of this and can help
Jon

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I would suggest that 60K is the perfect time to change the ATF, not 96K as per the book.

There is a good DIY here: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=6203

It depends what transmission you have as to what ATF to use. 3.4 cars used the ZF transmission which uses Esso LT71141 fluid, wheras the 3.6 cars use a Mercedes transmission and Shell 3403-M115 fluid. IMO you should stick to the recommended ATF.

The capacity is around 8/9 litres respectively, but you would be lucky to drain half that amount when doing a change.

HTH

 

[piperboxster]

From experience of Boxster Tip transmissions and what I have read about 996 ones going BANG I would tend to agree at 60k being the absolute maximum between transmission fluid changes.

During one of my tiptroninc explosions I had the transmission rebuilt by ZF who told me that they do not know what Porsche were thinking when they specified a 90k interval, they recommend for high performance cars that its changed every 40k or 4 years!!

One of the Boxster owners in my group of friends drives to italy on a regular basis and now has 160,000 miles on his Boxster S tip without issues, but by having the transmission fluid changed every 40k.. he does not take it easy on the trans either has it visits the nurburgring every time he goes out to italy or on his way back if its a tourist day within 48 hours of his eta there!

Aparently the most common failure is the transmission fluid breaking down, which causes the clutch packs to wear out, which then turns the fluid darker in colour as the deposits of clutch pack accumulate as sludge in the transmission

On the other hand I sound like I know what I am talking about but I am only saying what they said to me! lol

 

[minny]

btw jonbentley, what did you mean when you said it seems fine except immediately on start up. OPC will sell you the fluid by the litre for £17 +vat or you can google ESSO LT71141. I got 2 gallons for about £75 inc delivery from www.northwiltslubricants.co.uk