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Volkswagen transmission fluid change: Just because Volkswagen transmissions are low-maintenance doesn’t mean they should be completely neglected. A Volkswagen transmission fluid exchange is just one way you can keep your VW going for a long time. Let South Bay Volkswagen’s certified technicians give your VW sedan, hatchback, SUV or minivan the care it deserves, whether it’s routine engine oil, coolant or transmission fluid changes or major repairs. Whether you come from La Mesa, Torrance or San Diego, our National City service center is here to serve your VW needs.
What’s wrong with your transmission fluid?
Your Volkswagen’s engine and cooling system benefit from regularly scheduled fluid changes, and your transmission is no different. Like the other fluids used in your VW, transmission fluid will eventually wear out and lose all of the additives and friction modifiers that allow the transmission to run smoothly. Your transmission fluid will also accumulate unwanted contaminants that could, given enough time, damage a wide range of sensitive components within the transmission. Transmission fluid can also wear out faster than expected if you regularly tow trailers or operate your VW in heavy-duty conditions.
The Right Time for a Transmission Fluid Change
Volkswagen recommends changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. If your VW came with an automatic transmission, expect a fluid change every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. You should follow these recommendations unless your VW Owner’s Manual says otherwise. Frequent stop-start driving, towing trailers, and driving in extreme hot and cold climates can all take a toll on your VW, so expect transmission fluid changes to be performed earlier and more frequently to compensate for increased fluid wear. .
How South Bay Volkswagen takes care of your vehicle
Exceptional service is what South Bay Volkswagen is all about. From the moment your Volkswagen arrives at our comprehensive service and repair center, our factory-approved and certified technicians will check your transmission for signs of trouble and replace your old transmission fluid with fresh, clean fluid. Only the correct genuine VW fluid goes into your transmission, ensuring that it continues to perform with the quality and precision you expect.
Why it is important to change VW transmission fluid (ATF)
Some VW authorities suggest that you do not need to change the automatic transmission fluid in your VW. We just feel that this is illogical. A VW automatic transmission has hundreds of moving components, such as needle bearings, booster pumps, clutch packs, servo pistons, and seals. These internal components mesh with each other, begin to wear and create fine metal particles that contaminate your VW automatic transmission fluid. Over time, VW’s automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and paper filament transmission filter become contaminated with these particles. New transmission fluid is nearly clear in color. If you’ve ever seen the dark color of old transmission fluid, you’ll agree that it makes perfect sense that your VW automatic transmission fluid and filter need to be changed.
Illustrated example to the right: Transmission service performed at our repair shop on a 1999 VW Passat V6 30V model. The VW Passat had a ZF tiptronic 5-speed automatic transmission with approximately 80,000 miles. Customer complained of shifting issues when transmission was cold. Note the dirty metal sludge that was removed from the transmission drain pan. After changing his VW automatic transmission fluid with one of our BLAU transmission fluid filter change kits, the customer reported that his VW’s transmission shifting problems were gone. If you are having problems with VW transmission shifters, Blauparts recommends changing your automatic transmission fluid and filter as the first step in solving the problem.
VW Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change Intervals
Changing the automatic transmission fluid in your VW is important and helps extend the life of your transmission.VW automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 50,000 miles – 60,000 miles. Except for the DSG transmission, which the factory manual recommends changing every 40,000 miles. Those with more aggressive driving styles, constant extreme heat, heavy city traffic, trailer towing, or other severe driving conditions may want to replace their VW transmission fluid sooner.
Most 1992 to present VW models do not have a transmission fluid dipstick to check the VW transmission fluid level. To fill and check the VW automatic transmission fluid level, remove a plug on the side or bottom (location depends on model) of the transmission drain pan.
How to Change VW Automatic Transmission Fluid
- Flushing your VW’s transmission fluid should always be done in conjunction with auto filter replacement.
- Consult the Robert Bentley VW factory manual for detailed VW transmission fluid system instructions.
- We recommend having an A.S.E. Certified Audi VW mechanic change your transmission fluid.
- Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling VW fluids.
This basic overview is illustrated using a VW Mark IV with a 4-speed transverse transmission. However, these steps also apply to VW models with 4 and 5 speed tiptronic transmissions mounted inline.
how to step 1
Make sure the vehicle is perfectly level.
how to step 2
When the transmission fluid is still warm, but the vehicle has cooled, remove the VW transmission drain plug and drain the fluid into an appropriate container.
how to step 3
Remove the automatic transmission fluid oil pan.
how to step 4
Clean the sludge from the bottom of the transmission fluid oil pan (Image 2).
how to step 5
Clean magnets that have attracted metal particles.
how to step 6
Remove the VW automatic transmission fluid filter (Image 3).
how to step 7
Install the new VW transmission filter rubber pan gasket and filter into the transmission valve body (Picture 4). Tighten bolts to factory specifications.
how to step 8
Align the new VW automatic transmission fluid oil pan gasket with the oil pan and install the oil pan. Tighten bolts to factory specifications.
how to step 9
Remove the VW automatic transmission fluid oil pan filler cap (Picture 5).
how do i step 10
Using the high performance pump (replaces VW VAG 1924 special tool) supplied with our VW transmission filter kit, fill the oil pan with VW automatic transmission fluid until it runs out (Picture 6).
how step 11
Reinstall the VW automatic transmission fluid oil filler cap hand tight.
How I Step 12
Start the car. With your foot pressed on the brake pedal, shift the transmission selector in each gear for about 10 seconds. Note: Please do not drive the car.
How I Step 13
Remove the oil filler cap while the car is idling and add more VW automatic transmission fluid until it runs out. The final steps and procedures to top off your VW automatic transmission fluid level will vary by VW model and year. Obtaining the proper level of VW automatic transmission fluid is critical to avoiding VW transmission shifting problems, especially with tiptronic transmissions.
Once the VW automatic transmission fluid service is complete, the transmission fluid level should be confirmed and possibly topped up. Transmission level checking is done with diagnostic software and through a few inches long level insertion tube mounted in the fill plug/port. The diagnostic software allows you to accurately and simultaneously check the transmission fluid temperature and the corresponding VW ATF level. When the transmission fluid is between a certain temperature, a small amount of fluid will flow from the fill port area of the level insert.
VW 09G Transmission Fluid Change Information
This procedure is demonstrated on a 2007 VW Jetta MKV 2.5L 20V with the 09G Aisin Warner 6-speed automatic transmission.
These transmission fluid filter change procedures also apply to the VW models listed below that also came equipped with the 09G and 09M transmissions. Owners who aren’t sure what type of transmission they have and what type of transmission fluid they need can check out our helpful,What type of transmission fluid (ATF) does my VW take? blog post.
- 2005-2014 VW Jetta 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
- 2009-2014 VW Jetta Sports Wagon 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
- 2011-2015 VW Jetta 2.0L 8V Transmission Fluid & Filter Change
- Transmission fluid and filter change VW Jetta 1.4T 2013-2017
- Transmission fluid and filter change VW Jetta 1.8T 2014-2017
- Filter change and transmission fluid VW Passat 2.0T 2006-2010
- Transmission fluid and filter change VW Passat 3.6L VR6 2006-2008
- 2012-2014 VW Passat 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
- Filter change and transmission fluid VW Passat 1.8T 2014-2018
- Filter change and transmission fluid VW CC 2.0T 2009-2009
- Transmission Fluid and Filter Change VW CC 3.6L VR6 2009-2016
- 2010-2014 VW Golf 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid & Filter Change
- Filter change and transmission fluid VW Tiguan 2.0T 2009-2018
- 2006-2010 VW Beetle 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
- Transmission fluid and filter change VW Beetle 1.8T 2002-2017
- 2002-2005 VW Beetle 2.0L 8V Transmission Fluid & Filter Change
THE IMPORTANCE OF CHANGING THE VOLKSWAGEN TRANSMISSION FLUID
Transmission fluid is an important part of your Volkswagen. When it’s low or the fluid has become dirty, many parts of your vehicle will stop working. You can have problems with your Volkswagen overheating, gears that don’t shift correctly, and other dangerous mechanical issues.
Working with a licensed mechanic to change your transmission fluid and check your vehicle is the best way to ensure that your Volkswagen runs smoothly every time.
WHY SHOULD I CHANGE MY TRANSMISSION FLUID?
No matter how good the quality of your transmission fluid is, it will lose its viscosity and break down over time. It can also get dirty from the gears using it due to friction. Metal and other contaminants will build up on the transmission pan, making it less effective at its job.
Below are some common reasons to change your transmission fluid:
Proper Cooling – If your transmission fluid is old, it will not be able to cool the car. The cleaner the fluid, the more it will be able to dissipate heat and prevent damage.
Shifting is affected: Your automatic transmission will depend on the fluids to allow proper shifting. You need the transmission fluid to help the gears shift nicely. If the fluid is dirty, leaking, or missing, it can really help keep your car running great.
Fluid Leaks: One problem is that there is a leak in the transmission pan. If this starts to happen, you should visit a licensed mechanic to help get your vehicle running smoothly.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID?
Even if there doesn’t seem to be a problem with your transmission fluid, it’s important to refresh it and keep it clean. Many vehicles, including your Volkswagen, recommend that you change at intervals of 30,000 to 60,000. Some newer cars recommend that you change it at 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This is a bit longer, but it still helps you change your oil on a regular schedule.
Keeping a routine maintenance plan is a good way to remember when to change your fluid and keep it up to date, even if the levels indicate it’s full. The quality of the liquid is also important.
SIGNS FOR TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACEMENT
If you haven’t changed your transmission fluid, there are a few signs you can look for to determine if it’s time to change it. Your vehicle needs transmission fluid to function properly. Without these essential fluids, you will have a hard time functioning properly. Below are common signs that a change is needed:
Having trouble shifting – This is a big sign that your transmission fluid is running low or dirty and needs to be replaced.
The car shifts into gear – If you notice the vehicle shifting out of gear, especially while driving, this is a sign of problems with the transmission fluid. Get this checked out right away before I do any more damage to the car.
Overheating – When your vehicle starts to run low on transmission fluid, the vehicle will overheat. Not changing it often and driving in extreme situations can cause this problem.
Gear Grinding Sounds – This will happen when there is not enough lubrication in the gears and can end in an expensive repair. Find a professional mechanic immediately.
When to change the transmission fluid
Clean transmission fluid is a vital component in keeping your vehicle in good shape. While each manufacturer sets their own standard, a good rule of thumb is to change your transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
At the Panama City VW Service Center, we are committed to helping drivers in Springfield, Callaway and Panama City make smart decisions when it comes to vehicle maintenance. That’s why we created this simple guide.
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
As we stated above, a typical automatic transmission fluid should be flushed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or about every 3 to 4 years. If you drive with a stick shift, you may need to perform this task more frequently depending on your driving habits.
Your owner’s manual is a great resource to refer to and can provide you with the proper guidelines to follow. If you frequently travel long distances or tow heavy loads, we also suggest speaking directly with one of our service professionals who can meet your specific needs.
How to Check Transmission Fluid
If you’re like the vast majority of American drivers, your vehicle probably relies on an automatic transmission. If this is true, then checking your transmission fluid is something you can easily do at home.
It’s important to put attention onshould always check your transmission fluid in a well ventilated area. This is because you will need to keep the engine running during the check. If you can’t park outside, at least keep your garage door wide open.
Once you have allowed enough time for your engine to warm up, open the hood and perform the following steps:
- Locate and remove the dipstick. If your vehicle is front wheel drive, the dipstick should be located near you. If your vehicle is rear wheel drive, the dipstick will be closer to the windshield.
- Check the color, consistency and aroma.. The healthy fluid should be odorless and pink or translucent in color.
- Check fluid level. Using a rag or paper towel, wipe the dipstick clean and replace it into the boot. Remove the dipstick again and note if the fluid comes to the full line. If the line is not completely covered, clean fluid must be added.
Why do I need to change my transmission fluid?
Aside from your engine, your transmission is the most important component inside your vehicle.
Based on a complex system of gears, transmission fluid allows machinery to move freely and removes dangerous particles from components. Essentially, without clean fluid, your transmission would quickly overheat and eventually seize up.
A broken transmission is an expensive and often irreversible repair. The good news is that with a little knowledge and planning, you can usually avoid unpleasant surprises.
Thank you for reading about the Volkswagen transmission fluid change and please follow us on Auto Oil And Fluid!