The VW AL420 6-speed automatic transmission was produced by the concern from 2002 to 2011 and was installed on the Audi A6, A8, Q7, as well as the Volkswagen Phaeton and was essentially a clone of the ZF 6HP19. There were two versions of the automatic transmission: AL420-6A or 0AT and AL420-6Q or 09L with big differences.
AL-6 family: AL420, AL600, AL651, AL750, AL950.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002 – 2011 |
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of drive | front / all wheel (0AT) all wheel (09L) |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.6 (0AT) up to 4.2 (09L) |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 360 (0AT) up to 500 (09L) |
| Recommended oil | G 055 162 A2 (0AT) G 055 005 A2 (09L) |
| Oil capacity, liter | 9.2 (0AT) 10.2 (09L) |
| Replacing the oil | every 60,000 km |
| Replacing the filter | every 60,000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 76 (0AT) 110 (09L) |
Gear ratios Volkswagen AL420
Using the example of a Audi Q7 2007 with a 3.6 FSI engine:
| Main | 4.556 |
| 1st | 4.171 |
| 2nd | 2.340 |
| 3rd | 1.521 |
| 4th | 1.143 |
| 5th | 0.867 |
| 6th | 0.691 |
| Reverse | 3.403 |
The transmission was installed on:
- Audi A4 B6 (8E) in 2003 – 2004; A4 B7 (8E) in 2004 – 2009;
- Audi A6 C6 (4F) in 2004 – 2011;
- Audi A8 D3 (4E) in 2002 – 2010;
- Audi Q7 1 (4L) in 2005 – 2010;
- Volkswagen Phaeton 1 (3D) in 2005 – 2010.
Disadvantages of the VW AL420 gearbox
- This is a very reliable gearbox if you change the oil often and keep it cool.
- The mechatronics unit does not tolerate overheating and its failure after 150,000 km is not uncommon.
- Overly active owners quickly wear out the torque converter locking clutches.
- Then wear products clog the solenoids and shocks appear when switching.
- Other problems are associated with regular leaks and the modest life of the bushings.
