8-Speed Automatic Transmission Assembly for 2013-2017 Audi Q5

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right transmission shows up:

• Confirm the engine is a 3.0L Supercharged V6 gasoline engine.
• Verify the 3-letter transmission code on the vehicle identification sticker is MQY.
• Confirm the 7th and 8th digits of the VIN are FP.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Triple Square (XZN) socket set (specifically M12 and M14)
• Torx bit sockets (T20 through T50)
• Engine support bridge or hoist
• Heavy-duty transmission jack
• OBD-II diagnostic scan tool capable of reading real-time transmission fluid temperature (VCDS/Ross-Tech or OBDeleven/ODIS)
• Fluid transfer pump

Budget for these consumables at install:

• ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid (or Audi spec G 060 162 A2)
• Integrated plastic transmission pan, filter, and gasket assembly
• New single-use aluminum pan bolts
• Torque converter front input shaft seal
• Transmission cooler line flush
• Single-use subframe & crossmember stretch bolts (x2 14mm triple square bolts WHT005372, x4 18mm hex bolts N91151101, x4 square nuts WHT002305)
• Cooler line O-rings
• Axle seals

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Component Protection Removal & Adaptive Relearn

This transmission is equipped with Component Protection, an anti-theft system that links the internal TCM to the original vehicle's VIN. When installed, the vehicle will enter a safe/limp mode. To resolve this, you must perform a Component Protection Removal using a dealer-level scan tool (like ODIS) with an online connection to Audi's servers. Alternatively, you can swap your original Mechatronic unit (valve body + TCM) from your old transmission into this replacement unit to bypass programming.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Torque Converter Seating: Must feel and hear three distinct clicks/drops when installing. Failure to fully seat the converter will crush and destroy the internal oil pump upon bolting to the engine.
• Temperature-Sensitive Fill Procedure: Fluid level must be set with the engine running, the vehicle perfectly level, and the fluid temperature strictly between 30°C and 45°C monitored via a scan tool.
• Subframe Realignment: Lowering the front subframe throws off the front-end alignment; a professional 4-wheel alignment must be performed immediately after installation.
• Cooler Line O-Rings: Reusing old compressed O-rings will cause high-pressure fluid leaks.
• Adaptation Relearn: Shift adaptations must be reset and a specific calibration drive cycle performed to prevent rough shifting.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Assuming Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Not planning for the Component Protection security unlock, leaving the car locked in Park or limp mode.
• Reusing Subframe Stretch Bolts: Reusing torque-to-yield fasteners can cause them to snap or back out, leading to dangerous subframe shifting.
• Using Cheap, Non-Spec Fluid: Using generic multi-vehicle ATF instead of ZF Lifeguard 8, leading to clutch chatter, harsh shifts, and solenoid failure.
• Failing to Flush the Cooler Lines: Skipping the flush allows metal shavings from the previous failed transmission to contaminate and destroy the replacement unit.
• Incorrect Fluid Level Check: Checking fluid with the engine off, vehicle unlevel, or at the wrong temperature, leading to severe under- or over-filling.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every transmission of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: