2.8 A4 Transmission Fluid Drained by Mistake

Demon Slayer wrote:
> Thanks for all your help! Especially Dave (VWDoc)for the ZF transmission
> manual link. I now know that the fluid is supposed to be GREEN! The
> dealer that replaced the fluid used RED fluid - stating that was the
> only kind VW used (and the only kind they had)! I'll show them the
> manual and end the argument right there.
>
> Also, about who pays for the mistake.... that would be me! I was showing
> my 17 year old son how to change the oil (whoops). I had always worked
> on rear wheel drive autos in the past and I should have been more
> attentive to what I was doing. Well.... the fluid was black and probably
> needed changing anyway.
>
> The last time the oil was changed by a "mechanic" it was drained.
>
> Oh, did I forget something?
>
> No... it was just drained!
>
> The engine was a little low on oil..... about 3 1/2 quarts low!!!! Only
> the oil pressure light saved the engine. Do you blame me for wanting to
> make sure the job was done right this time?
>
> Again, thank you for all your help.

The mistake is easy to make given the location of the trans drain plug being so
close to the front, especially the first time you DIY.

Given that green and red were mixed you might be lucky by several complete
flushes and replacing with the green. Seems it would be worth a try before
anything more major.