DCT Service & ISTA

[Hivand_M]

Hi Guys,

When DIYing the DCT service do you HAVE to have ISTA? When using ISTA's "oil balancing" procedure after warming up the trans it gives a message:

The actuator system is now activated -
-1st gear is engaged
-System pressure is limited
-Maximum cooling is activated

Does going through ISTA open up more room for fluid or does that happen regardless when you reach correct temps?


Also, has anyone tried below DCT oil pan? Seems like a carbon copy of the OEM one but made in aluminum and is a bit cheaper, $156 vs $183 for OE.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ts-28108070791

[omgzirra_exe]

Using Ista software will not affect the opening or closing time of the thermostat.

You can monitor fluid temperature by using a pyrometer or using ProTools / an OBD2 device that can pull transmission temperature.

It is one of those things where you may need to lift the car up once or twice during the process.

start cart, lift it up, monitor the temperature, fill it, monitor temp, fill it, once it overflows, close it, drive it, lift it again, check it, fill if needed, drive it... fill it, check it again and fill if needed again.

[Hivand_M]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

Using Ista software will not affect the opening or closing time of the thermostat.

You can monitor fluid temperature by using a pyrometer or using ProTools / an OBD2 device that can pull transmission temperature.

It is one of those things where you may need to lift the car up once or twice during the process.

start cart, lift it up, monitor the temperature, fill it, monitor temp, fill it, once it overflows, close it, drive it, lift it again, check it, fill if needed, drive it... fill it, check it again and fill if needed again.

Ty kind sir

[spammysammich]

Wear long sleeves and at least thick nitrile gloves when checking the fluid level, you will be very close to the midpipe. I usually let the car cool down for several hours between level checks so I don’t miss my temperature window.

[spammysammich]

I should have prefaced with, while I have ISTA I’ve never bothered with using it for the transmission fill. I just basically did the work instructions with a timer and a cold car.

[TigerM3]

Originally Posted by spammysammich

Wear long sleeves and at least thick nitrile gloves when checking the fluid level, you will be very close to the midpipe. I usually let the car cool down for several hours between level checks so I don’t miss my temperature window.

I'm not looking forward to doing all of this when I replace my DCT cooler

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by TigerM3

I'm not looking forward to doing all of this when I replace my DCT cooler

you dont have to, just overfill the gearbox when its within the temp range.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by amrazM

you dont have to, just overfill the gearbox when its within the temp range.

Don't have ISTA and don't believe the indy that changed fluid last have either. Do you know how that procedure allows for more fluid fill?

Thanks

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Don't have ISTA and don't believe the indy that changed fluid last have either. Do you know how that procedure allows for more fluid fill?

Thanks

i provided it in my above response. that method is to overfill it a bit more.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Don't have ISTA and don't believe the indy that changed fluid last have either. Do you know how that procedure allows for more fluid fill?

Thanks

When i was dct I had a m18 banjo with an 8an fitting pointing upwards. the purpose of the fitting was to fill it from above the fill hole. the picture describes the idea.



never had any issues with the car it could shift midcorner if I pulled the paddle.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

i provided it in my above response. that method is to overfill it a bit more.

Eh, so ISTA does nothing here except for measuring the fluid temp and than the procedure is to lift the car up and down?

[omgzirra_exe]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

Eh, so ISTA does nothing here except for measuring the fluid temp and than the procedure is to lift the car up and down?

Pretty much not a requirement, you just need to monitor the DCT fluid temp as you're filling, then keep filling at the proper temp until it overflows.

You can do the banjo method like AmrazM stated, but I overfilled mine by just constantly filling, driving, filling, driving until it can't take anymore and check the fluid temp via pyrometer.

Just an annoying process. Although the extra 1L does nothing for temp, it just makes sure the DCT goes into gear. LOL

What I mean by that is if you're on track and experience frequent issues with shifts, then the extra 1L would help as it prevents fluid starvation witch in return helps with getting into gear.

[spammysammich]

Originally Posted by amrazM

When i was dct I had a m18 banjo with an 8an fitting pointing upwards. the purpose of the fitting was to fill it from above the fill hole. the picture describes the idea.

Attachment 3389149

never had any issues with the car it could shift midcorner if I pulled the paddle.

Brilliant! Is there a rule of thumb for amount of overfill or a suggested safe volume? I know I added just about 7L last time I did a full service because i have a Fall Line pan.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by omgzirra_exe

Pretty much not a requirement, you just need to monitor the DCT fluid temp as you're filling, then keep filling at the proper temp until it overflows.

You can do the banjo method like AmrazM stated, but I overfilled mine by just constantly filling, driving, filling, driving until it can't take anymore and check the fluid temp via pyrometer.

Just an annoying process. Although the extra 1L does nothing for temp, it just makes sure the DCT goes into gear. LOL

What I mean by that is if you're on track and experience frequent issues with shifts, then the extra 1L would help as it prevents fluid starvation witch in return helps with getting into gear.

Got it, thanks. I'm having occasional over heat warning and want to make sure the box is filled up. I don't believe 7 or 9 litre makes a big difference on the fluid temp but thinking just maybe a low level screw up the fluid spray cooling on the clutches, which is the temp sensor that goes high. No idea what the box looks like inside but worth a try.

[amrazM]

Originally Posted by spammysammich

Brilliant! Is there a rule of thumb for amount of overfill or a suggested safe volume? I know I added just about 7L last time I did a full service because i have a Fall Line pan.

not really, I think i usually put 7.5 with a standard size pan. those aftermarket deeper dct pans are really only for greater heat capacity. you need to overfill it to not have high force shift issues.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by amrazM

not really, I think i usually put 7.5 with a standard size pan. those aftermarket deeper dct pans are really only for greater heat capacity. you need to overfill it to not have high force shift issues.

7.5l when normal change? Believe the "service kits" include 6l only?

[spammysammich]

Originally Posted by Helmsman

7.5l when normal change? Believe the "service kits" include 6l only?

Keep in mind he is equipped to over fill via the banjo fitting.

[Scrippy]

Yes there is a procedure but let’s not over complicate things. Drain fluid, replace both filters and add fluid until no more will go in. Replace bolt and let car warm and then cool a bit. Remove bolt and try to add more. A useful trick is to jack up the car from passenger side only and add more. The GTS banjo bolt allows for more fluid because you can connect to it and force in more fluid past the drain bolt level. Hot fluid is what we are measuring here is all.