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Why Changing VW Transmission Fluid (ATF) Is Important
Some VW authorities suggest that you don't need to change your VW's automatic transmission fluid. We simply feel this is illogical. a VW automatic transmission has hundreds of moving components, such as needle bearings, pressure pumps, clutch packs, servo pistons and seals. These internal components mesh with one another, begin to wear, and create fine metallic particles which contaminate the VW automatic transmission fluid. Over time, the VW 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 seems very logical that changing the VW automatic transmission fluid and filter are needed.
Right Hand Pictured Example: Transmission service performed in our repair shop on a 1999 VW Passat V6 30V model. The VW Passat had a 5 speed ZF tiptronic automatic transmission with approximately 80,000 miles on it. The customer complained of shifting problems when the transmission was cold. Note the dirty metallic sediment that was removed from the transmission drain pan. After changing the VW automatic transmission fluid using one of our , the customer reported that his VW's transmission shifting problems were gone. If you're experiencing VW transmission shifting problem, Blauparts recommends changing your automatic transmission fluid and filter as a first step in solving the problem.
VW Transmission Fluid (ATF) Change Intervals
Changing your VW automatic transmission fluid 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 be changed every 40,000 miles. Those with more aggressive driving styles, constant extreme heat, heavy city traffic, trailer pulling, or other severe driving conditions may want to replace the VW transmission fluid sooner.
Most 1992-on VW models don't have a transmission fluid dipstick for checking the VW transmission fluid level. To fill and check the level of the VW automatic transmission fluid you remove a plug on the side or bottom (location depends on model) of the transmission drain pan.
How To Change VW Automatic Transmission Fluid Overview
- Flushing your VW transmission fluid should always be done in conjunction with the automatic filter replacement.
- Refer to the factory Robert Bentley VW manual for detailed VW transmission fluid system instructions.
- We recommend having an A.S.E. Audi VW certified mechanic change your transmission fluid.
- Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling VW fluids.
This basic overview is illustrated using VW Mark IV with a 4 speed transverse mounted transmission. However, these steps are also applicable to VW models with inline mounted 4 speed and 5 speed tiptronic transmissions.
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 down, 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 sediment out of the bottom of the transmission fluid oil pan (Image 2).
How To Step 5
Clean the magnets which have attracted metallic 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 onto the transmission valve body (Image 4). Torque the screws 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. Torque the screws to factory specifications.
How To Step 9
Remove the VW automatic transmission fluid oil pan fill plug (Image 5).
How To Step 10
Using the high output pump (replaces VW special tool VAG 1924) supplied with our VW transmission filter kit, fill the oil pan with the VW automatic transmission fluid until it runs out (Image 6).
How To Step 11
Reinstall the VW automatic transmission fluid oil fill plug hand tight.
How To Step 12
Start the car. With your foot pressed down on the brake pedal, shift the transmission selector in each gear for about 10 seconds. Note: Don't drive the car.
How To Step 13
Remove the oil fill plug while the car is at an idle and add more VW automatic transmission fluid until it runs out. The final steps and procedures for topping off the VW automatic transmission fluid level will vary depending on VW model and year. It is critical to obtain the proper VW automatic transmission fluid level to prevent VW transmission shifting problems especially with tiptronic transmissions.
Once the VW automatic transmission fluid service is finished, the transmission fluid level needs to be confirmed and possibly topped off. Checking the transmission level is done with diagnostic software and through a level insert tube a few inches long mounted into the fill plug / port. Diagnostic software allows you to accurately and simultaneously check the transmission fluid temperature and corresponding VW ATF level. When the transmission fluid is between a certain temperature a small amount of fluid will flow from the level insert fill port area.
BLAU® Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Filter Change Kits
To ease maintenance, Blauparts has created for Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Porsche. VW automatic transmission fluid and filter service is great preventive maintenance and is much more logical and inexpensive than replacing a $8,000 VW transmission.
Changing VW automatic transmission fluid is most easily done in conjunction with the VW transmission filter maintenance. Why contaminate clean fluid with the sediment that's stored in the old automatic transmission filter? Our automatic transmission fluid service kits are available for nearly every VW model for a great price! Save up to 80% off dealer prices on VW automatic transmission filters! We can even drop ship our VW automatic transmission fluid and filter kits directly to your VW mechanic, which makes changing VW automatic transmission fluid even easier.
- VW Automatic Transmission Filter - Valve Body Gasket
- VW Oil Pan Gasket
- VW Oil Pan Drain Plug Gasket
- VW Oil Pan Fill Plug Gasket
- VW Extra Oil Drain Pan Mounting Hardware
- 3-6 Liters of German VW Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - Qty Depends on Model an adequate quantity of fluid for filter change.
- Installation Instructions - Not all kits include instructions. Depends On Model
- Polypropylene Ultra High Output Pump Dispenser - Depends on Model Hand operated with clear dispensing hose used for transmission fluid transfer. This tool can be used in place of Audi VW special tool VAG 1924 or VAS 6262 or VAS 6262/2.
BLAU® Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Filter Change Kit - Product Overview Example
Are Special Tools Required for Changing VW ATF?
To purchase these tools from the dealer is expensive. Blauparts helps to make changing your automatic transmission fluid easier and less expensive by substituting VW special tool VAG 1924, VAS 6262, and VAS 6262/2 with a more cost-effective hand pump and adapters that are available for purchase and are included in most of our kits.
VAG 1924
The factory manual refers to VAG 1924 special tool for pumping the VW automatic transmission fluid into the oil pan for most VW models.
VAS 6262
The 02E 6 speed automatic Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmissions require special tool VAS 6262 for automatic transmission fluid transfer.
VAS 6262/2
Select newer 09G, 09M, 09D, and 0C8 Aisin transmissions require VAS 6262/2 fluid filling adapter tool for automatic transmission fluid transfer.
