Well, I'm at the end of the job, I replaced the filter, the electric connector (removing the heat shield), the gasket, the bolts and the drain plugs washers. Drained for 24 hours, and the result is a big amount of oil removed, exactly 8 litres. I think I removed all the oil from it. In the event it was overfilled, I put 7.5 litres of Shell ATF134, and tomorrow I'll check the level with the the temperature method. No dirt found in the pan, and the oil was clean and without smell, it was simply the wrong one for this transmission.

 

I don’t think one can get more than 3-4 liters of ATF from the transmission just by taking the pan off and letting it drain for any length of time. If you have the torque converter with the drain plug, then yes. I recall you mentioning something about the converter having a plug, in which case, the amount of oil that can be drained is more than double what would come out the pan alone.

But if you are getting 8 liters from just the pan removal then the transmission appears to have been very overfilled. You will first most / all people reporting 3-4 liters by draining the pan, even on this thread, no more than that.

I would be checking the level with the dipstick after just putting in 3-4 liters first at the 20 C mark then at the 80 C mark if you can get it that hot.

Z

 

He has drained the torque converter. It's shown in one of the photos.

Richard

 

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.

I often need help finding my glasses. Most of the time I’m wearing them.

Z

 

Yes, there is the drain plug on the torque converter. And I confirm today I finished the work! I started with warming the transmission oil. It's not easy to reach 80°. I went to a drive with Icarsoft showing the oil temp, but after many kilometers I couldn't obtain more than 72°. Then, I tried another way: at home, while stationary, I put my left foot on the brake, and a little gas with the right, and in less than 30 seconds the temp rised to 82°. The level was low, added 0.5 litres ad it was in the middle of the 80°marks, added other 0.2 to reach maximum. For a total amount of 8.2 litres. Went to a test drive, it seems even smooth than before, or maybe it's only placebo effect! The important thing is that now it works with the correct oil. Thanks to all for the advice!! Without your experience I couldn't do this work!

 

Congratulations on the job well done.

Z

 

Thanks! I'm not new to work on my cars, it's my passion, but I've never done a transmission service before, only manual gearboxes. Since you are very experienced, I have another question.. I don't know if it's real or just a urban legend, but many people tells me that if you use these old style automatic transmissions in manual mode you can do damage or dramatically shorten their life.. Is it true? Why?

 

I quote myself..
Any thoughts on this?

 

I hadn't heard that but l believe the W5A580 is close enough to bulletproof for you to have confidence no matter how you shift it.

 

Thanks for the reply, it's nice to hear that it's close to bulletproof!

 

I use the J gate shifting every other day, just to keep the contacts exercised. That said, the j gate shifting is slower than I’d like. The fully automatic shifting is more crisp.

Z

 

I agree, in manual mode it's not pleasant to drive due to the slow response, I mainly use it slowing down or downhill, but always with the fear to break some plastic pieces of the lever mechanism.. I'm a little paranoid..