Automatic Gearbox Service Kit: What's Included?

In the photo, you're looking at a genuine automatic gearbox service kit. It's exactly what we use at Das Auto Service. At first glance, it's just a few boxes and a bottle of oil, but every part has a job to do. I want to show you what's included in an automatic gearbox service kit and why changing "just the oil" isn't enough.

What's included in an automatic gearbox service kit?

Genuine gearbox oil made specifically for your gearbox — with the correct specification, not some "universal ATF".
A filter — some gearboxes have a separate filter, while others have one built straight into the sump.
A gearbox sump or sump gasket — on many gearboxes, the sump is plastic, so we replace the whole thing.
Drain and filler plugs, complete with new seals.
New bolts that are designed to be used only once.

Why don't we just change the oil?

The old filter has already collected fine particles from wear inside the gearbox. If we only change the oil, that lovely fresh oil immediately starts flowing through a dirty filter. And over the years, seals harden, which means they can start leaking after a service. That's why we replace the complete kit. Think about it — what's the point of putting fresh oil in if you're going to leave the old filter behind?

Filling an automatic gearbox with oil at Das Auto Service

How do we service your gearbox?

We start with diagnostics. We read the fault codes and check the condition of the gearbox.
We drain the old oil and replace the filter, sump and seals.
We fill the gearbox with fresh oil and check the level at the exact temperature specified by the manufacturer.
We carry out a gearbox adaptation — an essential part of every service.
We take the car for a test drive, then check everything again for leaks.

Don't let anyone check your automatic gearbox oil level "by eye" or while the gearbox is cold. These gearboxes have a specific temperature at which the oil level must be checked. Get that wrong, and you could end up with too much or too little oil inside. And if that leads to an expensive repair later, guess who's paying for it. You are, out of your own pocket. Not the garage.

Why is gearbox adaptation essential?

When we change the oil, the gearbox starts shifting a little differently. During adaptation, we clear the old values it has learnt and teach it to work with the fresh oil. Skip this step, and the gearbox might start jerking or shifting harshly. That's exactly why we always include adaptation as part of the service at Das Auto Service.

A tip from Kris Mladenov: Don't wait until your gearbox starts kicking or jerking before you remember it needs an oil change. We change the oil to help you avoid problems, not because they've already started.

If you can't remember when your automatic gearbox oil was last changed, bring your car to Das Auto Service. We'll check its condition and tell you exactly which service kit it needs.