Changing your all-wheel driver controller oil is important to keep your drivetrain smooth. Over time, the oil can lose its critical properties that prevent metal on metal contact. This is a easy do-it-yourself as long as you have the proper tools and ability to get your vehicle off the ground safely. Additionally, while changing your all-wheel drive controller oil, we also recommend you change the front differential oil. The front differential is located right next to the all-wheel drive controller and follows the same procedure. If you are unsure of how to do this procedure, please visit a certified mechanic.
Before you get started, check out the video from YouTube user, Jim Wong. While the video is for the 997 generation and also covers the front and rear differentials, the procedures for changing the fluid in the differentials and all-wheel drive controller are essentially the same. Detailed steps can be found below.
- Fluid Transfer Pump Kit
- 17mm Swivel Head Combination Socket Wrench (for fill plug)
- Mechanic’s Tool Set
- Torx Bit Socket Set, T10-T60
- 3/8 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (10-80 ft.-lb.)
- K Tool International Low Profile Jack (3.33 Ton)
- ESCO 10499 Low Profile Flat Top Jack Stands (Pair) (4 required)
- Wheel Chocks
- Oil Drain Pan, 6 Quarts Capacity
- Disposable Gloves
- Safety Glasses
All-wheel drive controller drain bolt: 22 ft-lbs
All-wheel drive controller fill bolt: 22 ft-lbs
AWD controller capacity: ~0.8 liters
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area.
- Warm up your car’s transmission fluids by going for a 2-3 minute drive.
- This will help the oil drain more easily while still allowing you to work on your car without getting burned.
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Gather parts and tools.
- Put on eye protection and gloves.
Step 2: Raise your vehicle off the ground.
- To give yourself enough clearance to work, safely raise your vehicle using a lift or a jack and jack stands.
- ENSURE YOUR CAR IS LEVEL! This is essential to ensure you fill the all-wheel drive controller to the correct level.
- NEVER rely on a jack to keep your car up; use jack stands to safely support your vehicle.
- Also be sure to use wheel chocks to prevent your car from rolling.
- Once your car is on jack stands, give your car a hard shove to make sure it is secure.
- To lift your vehicle on jack stands, check out this helpful video from CarFanatic. While the video is for a 997, the process to lift the 991 is the same.
Step 3: Remove the front underbody plastic panel.
- Remove the front underbody plastic panel which is held on by 10mm bolts and T25 screws.
- Be sure to store the fasteners in a container, so you don’t lose them.
- With the front underbody panel off, you now will see the all-wheel drive controller, which is just behind the front differential.
Step 4: Remove the all-wheel drive controller fill bolt.
- Locate the all-wheel drive controller as shown in this video.
- Using the 17mm swivel socket, remove the fill bolt FIRST, which is located ABOVE the drain bolt.
- IMPORTANT: If you cannot remove the fill bolt, STOP.
Step 5: Drain the all-wheel drive controller.
- Place a drain pan below the all-wheel drive controller drain bolt.
- Remove the drain bolt with a 17mm socket.
- Allow the all-wheel drive controller oil to drain for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Fill the all-wheel drive controller with new oil.
- Re-install the all-wheel drive controller drain bolt and torque it 22 ft-lbs.
- Note: It does not have a crush washer.
- Add ~0.8 liters of Porsche transmission oil into the fill port using a fluid transfer pump as shown in this video from BleeinJeep.
- As long as your car is level, you’ve reached capacity once the oil starts to drip.
- Re-install fill bolt and torque it to 22 ft-lbs.
Step 7: Reinstall everything in reverse order.
- Ensure there are no leaks before re-installing everything.
- Hand tighten all underbody panel fasteners.
- Lower your car back on the ground.
- Store your old oil in a container, so you can take it to an auto parts store to recycle.
- Clean up your work area and put away your tools.
- You’re all done!
