How to Change Transmission Fluid on a 2018-2021 Audi Q5 (S tronic or Tiptronic) (Trim: Prestige | Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)
Step-by-step DIY procedure with required tools, correct fluid level temperature method, and safety tips
How to Change Transmission Fluid on a 2018-2021 Audi Q5 (S tronic or Tiptronic) (Trim: Prestige | Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)
Step-by-step DIY procedure with required tools, correct fluid level temperature method, and safety tips for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
🔧 Q5 - Transmission Fluid Change
To give you the correct Audi procedure, I need one detail because the fill method and fluid type depend on the exact transmission. This job also requires setting the fluid level at a specific transmission fluid temperature.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 You must lift and support the vehicle level on four jack stands; an unlevel car will set the wrong fluid level.
- 🛑 Transmission fluid can be hot; wear gloves and safety glasses.
- 🛑 Keep the engine running during level-setting; keep hands/clothes clear of rotating parts.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) x4
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Torque wrench (10-60 Nm range)
- Torx bit set (T25-T45)
- Hex bit set (5mm-10mm)
- Triple-square bit set (M10-M14)
- Fluid transfer pump (specialty)
- OBD2 scan tool that reads transmission fluid temperature (specialty)
- Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
- Shop rags
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Transmission fluid - Qty: 6-8 quarts
- Transmission drain plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
- Transmission fill plug sealing washer - Qty: 1
- Transmission filter kit - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- 🧰 Park on a level surface and let the transmission cool to warm (not hot).
- 🧰 Lift the Q5 and support it level on four jack stands.
- 🧰 Have your OBD2 scan tool ready to display transmission fluid temperature (this is the temperature of the fluid inside the transmission).
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Before I give the exact steps (plug locations, fluid type, temperature window, and torque specs), answer these 2 quick questions:
- Do you have the 7-speed S tronic (dual-clutch) in your Q5, or is it an 8-speed Tiptronic (torque-converter)?
- Do you have an OBD2 scan tool that can show transmission fluid temperature?
✅ After Repair
- 🧪 Confirm there are no leaks at the drain/fill plugs after a short drive.
- 🧪 Re-scan for any transmission-related faults if you have a scan tool.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $120-$350 (parts only)
You Save: $330-$550 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Automatic Transmission Fluid replace for these Audi vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi Q5 | Premium | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | Premium Plus | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | Prestige | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | Premium | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | Premium Plus | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | Prestige | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | Titanium Premium | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | Titanium Premium Plus | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | Titanium Prestige | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | Premium | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | Premium Plus | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2019 Audi Q5 | Prestige | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | Premium | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | Premium Plus | Inline 4 2.0L | - |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | Prestige | Inline 4 2.0L | - |


















