New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Jack - I've moved this topic to the AM6 thread in question:

The official procedure is here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=56837&hilit=AM6+oil+change#p517292

And Elis has done a write up with pics here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=58134&start=45#p543115
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by Y Cymro »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 14 Jan 2017, 01:15 You can only do a partial oil change as you can't fully drain the converter. Approximately 3 litres of oil should flow out.

So you have a 7 litre dry capacity, 4 litres remaining after you have drained 3 litres, so replace with 3 litres. Now, as you can only replace 3 litres at a time, some people drive around for a month and then repeat the operation again - and for a third time the month after to ensure the bulk of the oil is replaced.

You can always get a quote from Citroen for the job if this is a bit daunting - some have been pleasantly surprised!


So is it true that if you do this yourself you can only change 3 litres of oil each time but if I pay my local dealer to do it all 7 litres will get changed?
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by GiveMeABreak »

That's the official position in the official Citroen procedures that official Citroen technicians use.... It's likely they are only doing a partial oil change and calling it a full oil change.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by xantia_v6 »

The dealer can't drain the torque converter either, so can only do a partial change.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by Y Cymro »

So the quote I’ve had of more than £200 is to do a partial oil change using 3 litres of oil. No wonder people avoid dealers!
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by xantia_v6 »

The quote may be for 2 or more partial changes, you would need to ask how much fluid is included.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by GiveMeABreak »

The oil change is partial, since the converter cannot be totally drained.
It's why some members choose to do several changes over a short period to affect as near a complete change as possible, and pictures show the oil less dark on each change.

Remember the official position is that these boxes are "sealed for life" which is contrary to what we know to be true. Regular oil changes can make huge difference and extend the life of the box.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

Didn't somebody on this forum get the gearbox oil changed at a specialist using a 'hot oil flush' technique?
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by GiveMeABreak »

I think you are referring to engine oil - The oil in the AM6 already has to be hot to change it as it is, and I can't see what magical method is going to get it out of the torque converter, but do enlighten us, I'm intrigued...
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

Nope, it was definitely a hot flush on a gearbox. I think it was done with the engine running, and where one pipe was disconnected and the flush gear was then added into the loop. This allowed the old oil to be caught as the new oil was introduced.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by xantia_v6 »

Some companies do offer a "hot flush" for transmissions, it is a procedure that has been popular in the USA for many years, and generally involves interrupting the flow in the fluid cooler circuit, removing the old fluid at that point and injecting new fluid in its place.

It is no more effective at implementing a complete fluid change than partial changes by draining the sump, as the new fluid gets mixed with the old, and there is no mechanism for the clean fluid to be directed specifically to the torque converter.

I think that if you do an analysis of the rate at which the old fluid is removed from the system you would find that for a given number of litres of new fluid pumped in, the hot flush technique will expel a higher proportion of new fluid and a lower proportion of old fluid than simple static changes.

I know of no benefit of changing transmission fluid when hot, other than it needing to be hot to check the level (but I don't think a level check is always a part of either process).
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Yes, the US is where I read about these but didn't really give it much thought as the same issue applies to the torque converter as you say. It's pretty simple enough to do the changes from the procedures and should save a fair bit as a DIY job - but also knowing that you've actually done the job properly yourself.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by daviemck2006 »

Ive just read this thread and notice the op has gone from a dsg vw to an am6 in a c5. His observations are the same as mine for the difference of the two boxes. The am6 in the 407 seems to need to wind itself up to get going, either forward or reverse. This has just had its oil changed less than 300 miles ago and is particularly noticeable reversing into my drive. The dsg box in the Leon, only connected to a 1.6 crdi 110bhp takes off from rest, forward or backward, like a scalded cat if you give it about 1/2 throttle, and gearchanges are instant and smoother than the am6 in the pug. The pug has done around 88000 miles, the leon 63000. Vw and seat say the dsg boxes if a 6 speed connected to the 1.9 pd, and the 2.0 and bigger engines need a fluid and filter change every 40000. They then say the 7 speed on the 1.6crdi which I have is sealed for life, and will only be changed ir a repair is getting done to the box. It uses a different spec oil and filter from the more common 6 speed, and I have bought the appropriate amount of oil and filter for nearly £120 to change mine. Seat dealers charge £265 for changing the other type and would not quote me for my one as it is not necessary.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by Gibbo2286 »

daviemck2006 wrote: 09 Feb 2019, 00:58 Ive just read this thread and notice the op has gone from a dsg vw to an am6 in a c5. His observations are the same as mine for the difference of the two boxes. The am6 in the 407 seems to need to wind itself up to get going, either forward or reverse. This has just had its oil changed less than 300 miles ago and is particularly noticeable reversing into my drive. The dsg box in the Leon, only connected to a 1.6 crdi 110bhp takes off from rest, forward or backward, like a scalded cat if you give it about 1/2 throttle, and gearchanges are instant and smoother than the am6 in the pug. The pug has done around 88000 miles, the leon 63000. Vw and seat say the dsg boxes if a 6 speed connected to the 1.9 pd, and the 2.0 and bigger engines need a fluid and filter change every 40000. They then say the 7 speed on the 1.6crdi which I have is sealed for life, and will only be changed ir a repair is getting done to the box. It uses a different spec oil and filter from the more common 6 speed, and I have bought the appropriate amount of oil and filter for nearly £120 to change mine. Seat dealers charge £265 for changing the other type and would not quote me for my one as it is not necessary.


I've not found anything like that in my C5 with the AM6 box, it's the nicest drive I've ever found in an auto and in the past I've driven cars with all the earlier auto boxes.
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Re: New member - query about C5 auto box oil change

Post by EDC5 »

I'd struggle to believe a DSG can change smoother than a torque converter auto to be honest. With launch, I suspect the DSG would have the better response as the torque converter must get a few litres of oil thrashing around before any power can be transmitted.
All I know is that if I hold my C5 on the brakes and give it a bit of throttle, when I let go of the brake it takes off like a stabbed rat!
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