VW Jetta Transmission Fluid Filter Change DSG 6 Speed

This article details the necessary steps on how to change the transmission fluid on 2005 - 2019 VW Jetta with DSG 6 speed transmissions. This VW Jetta transmission type is also referenced as the 02E and 0D9 transmissions, which are the first three letters of the transmissions part number. It is also known as the DQ250 VW Jetta transmission.

DSG VW Jetta & Jetta SportWagen Transmission Service Info

The below procedure is demonstrated on a 2006 VW Jetta GLI with the DSG 6 speed automatic transmission and applies to the following VW Jetta models:

  • 2005 - 2006 VW Jetta 1.9L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
  • 2006 - 2018 VW Jetta 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
  • 2009 - 2015 VW Jetta 2.0L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
  • 2006 - 2018 VW Jetta SportWagen 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
  • 2009 - 2015 VW Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

What Is the VW Jetta Transmission Fluid Change Interval for DSG Transmissions?

How often should DSG VW Jetta transmission fluid be changed? The recommended service interval for changing the VW Jetta transmission fluid on DSG transmissions is every 40,000 miles. This includes the DSG transmission fluid and filter. Those with an aggressive driving style, constant extreme heat, heavy city traffic, trailer pulling, or other severe driving conditions may want to replace the DSG transmission fluid sooner or more frequently (i.e., 30,000 miles). Changing your 6 speed VW DSG transmission fluid is important and helps extend the life of your transmission.

A variety of VW models came equipped with direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmissions. The design yields better RPM control for a more powerful and more instantaneous shift. The DSG transmission features both manual and automatic modes of operation. For this reason, in this article, VW DSG transmission fluid is not strictly referred to as VW "automatic" transmission fluid (aka VW ATF).

What Type of VW Jetta Transmission Fluid Does the DSG Transmission Use?

  • 02E and 0D9 6 Speed DSG VW Jetta transmissions use VW TL 521 82 transmission fluid quality specifications.
  • VW TL 521 82 transmission fluid is also known as OE part numbers G 052 182 A2 and G 052 182 A6.

Eurol DCF 1404 Fully Synthetic Dual Clutch Fluid and RAVENOL DCT/DSG Transmission Fluid are developed and engineered for the VW Jetta DSG transmission and meet or exceed the VW G 052 182 A2 DSG fluid quality specification recommended for use in VW DSG transmissions. See products below for details.

What Is the VW Jetta Transmission Fluid Fill Capacity for the DSG Transmission?

  • 6 Speed VW Jetta transmission fluid service fill for the DSG is 5.2 liters (5.49 quarts)
  • 6 Speed VW Jetta transmission fluid dry fill capacity for the DSG is 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts)

Product Overview: BLAU VW Jetta Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kit - DSG 6 Speed

FAQ: Why do some kits have 5 liters and other kits have 6 liters? 

All of our VW Jetta transmission service kits are assembled for the factory-recommended 40,000-mile service interval. During this service, changing the DSG filter and DSG fluid is recommended. The factory-specified fluid service capacity for this service is 5.2 liters (5.4 quarts). In some cases, not all 5.2 liters of fluid drain from the transmission, and around 5 liters will only be required for a refill. However, some customers desire 6 liters of DSG fluid to confirm they have over 5.2 liters. Thus why we offer the two kit options.

Please Note: For a DSG transmission rebuild or the installation of a new transmission service, the factory fluid capacity is 7.2 liters (7.4 quarts). If you are performing a DSG transmission rebuild or installing a new DSG transmission, you will need to purchase more fluid than what is included in our kits. We always recommend using factory fluid capacity levels. This can minimize mechanical problems and greatly improve your vehicle's mechanical longevity.

Step-by-Step VW Jetta Transmission Fluid Change Instructions - DSG 6 Speed

How To Step 1

With the engine bay accessible remove the battery cover by pushing in the lock tab and pull up.

Note: The VW Jetta DSG 6 speed transmission was used in a variety of models. Depending on the year the layout of the engine bay, airbox locations, and battery tray can vary. Some models may require the removal of the airbox to remove the lower battery tray. Also, some newer VW Jetta models use a simplified battery tray design with less or no plastic covers.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Image 1

How To Step 2

Remove the front side of the VW Jetta battery box. Push in the two tabs on the front while pulling up. Note: Some models are equipped with a surrounding insulation cover, not a plastic battery box. If your VW is equipped with an insulation cover, remove the insulation cover with the battery in step 5.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 2

How To Step 3

Disconnect the battery power cables. Both the positive and negative cable clamps are 10mm.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 3

How To Step 4

Remove the battery hold-down bracket. This is held in place by a 13mm bolt and located at the passenger side base of the battery between the VW Jetta engine cover and battery.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 4

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 4 Part 2

How To Step 5

Remove the VW Jetta battery along with the battery insulation.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 5

How To Step 6

Remove the three 10mm bolts holding the battery tray frame in place.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 6

How To Step 7

Pull up the battery tray frame to allow access to the rear side of the battery box. With the rear side of the battery box exposed un-clip the rear side of the battery box.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 7

How To Step 8

Remove the battery tray frame by first pulling the rear of the battery tray frame up and then back to the VW Jetta firewall at an upward angle. The battery tray frame may have to be slightly twisted and or maneuvered in such a way as to not tangle the battery and VW Jetta fuse box wires.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 8

How To Step 9

Elevate your Volkswagen Jetta on an approved automotive lift or jack stands using the factory lift points to a level position. See the factory owner's manual for approved factory vehicle lift points.

How To Step 10

Remove the lower engine protective VW Jetta splash pan. The small-sized splash pan is held in place by several t25 torx screws. If it is a full-size splash pan there are both t-25 and t-30 torx holding the splash pan in place.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 10

How To Step 11

Remove the 14mm hex bit DSG VW Jetta transmission drain plug along with the crush washer. Allow your old VW Jetta transmission fluid to drain from the transmission. During this step, not all the transmission fluid will come out. Roughly 1.5 liters – 2 liters of DSG fluid will drain.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 11 Part 1

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 11 Part 2

How To Step 12

Drain the remaining VW Jetta DSG transmission fluid by removing the transmission fluid level insert. This is an 8mm hex bit recessed up inside the drain plug port.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 12 Part 1

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 12 Part 2

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 12 Part 3

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 12 Part 4

How To Step 13

Once you have confirmed that all the old VW Jetta transmission fluid has drained from the transmission reinstall the transmission fluid level insert and hand tight it to a snug hand-tight feel.

How To Step 14

Install our Blauparts' DSG fluid filling tool adapter (VAS 6262 alternative) hand-tight. Secure the filling hose to the adapter and direct the other end of the hose up in front of the VW Jetta transmission to the top side of the engine bay.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 14

How To Step 15

Locate the DSG transmission filter housing. This is located on the top side of your Volkswagen Jetta or Jetta SportWagen DSG transmission. This is a black plastic housing. Using a 24mm socket loosen and remove the housing. You may want to consider placing several rags around the filter area to absorb any spillage.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 15

How To Step 16

Remove the DSG VW Jetta transmission filter by firmly pulling upward. You may want to grasp the filter using a large clean rag as this can minimize any splash that happens when the filter pops upward.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 16

How To Step 17

Install the new VW Jetta DSG transmission filter in the same orientation as the old one. Confirm the filter o-ring area has popped onto the transmission.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 17

How To Step 18

Remove and replace the sealing o-ring on the VW Jetta transmission filter housing. It is best to mildly lubricate the new o-ring with some clean DSG fluid to minimize the chance of the o-ring scarring and not achieving a proper seal.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 18

How To Step 19

Reinstall the transmission filter housing. Confirm that you do not cross thread the housing while tightening. Tighten the DSG filter housing to 15 ft. lbs. Do not over-torque the DSG transmission filter housing as this can cause difficulty during future VW Jetta or Jetta SportWagen transmission fluid services.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 19

How To Step 20

Reinstall the battery tray and tighten the three 10mm bolts to 5 ft. lbs.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 20

How To Step 21

Reinstall the rear side of the battery box cover. Confirm all the tabs are popped into place and the battery cable on the backside is routed properly. Note: Some Jetta vehicles may be equipped with just a surrounding insulation cover, not a plastic battery box. If your vehicle is equipped with an insulation cover proceed to step 22.

How To Step 22

Reinstall the battery in the proper direction of the power and ground cables along with the battery insulation.

How To Step 23

Reinstall the 13mm battery hold-down bolt and bracket located on the passenger side of the battery. This is between the engine cover and the battery.

How To Step 24

Reinstall the battery power cables and tighten 10mm nuts/bolts to 4 ft. lbs.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 24

How To Step 25

Reinstall the front side of the plastic battery cover. Confirm the front lock tabs and the side alignment channels are installed correctly. Note: Some Jetta vehicles may not be equipped with a plastic cover. Some vehicles came with a surrounding insulation cover If your vehicle is equipped with an insulation cover proceed to step 27.

How To Step 26

Install the top battery cover. Confirm the two tabs on the rear of the cover are installed and allow the front to snap down.

VW Jetta & Jetta SportWagen Transmission Fluid Filling Procedure

How To Step 27

With the DSG filling tool adapter VAS 6262 installed, slide the fill hose on as pictured.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 27

How To Step 28

With the fill hose up in front of the VW Jetta transmission, connect the hose to the fluid bottles as described in the supplied tool and hose kit instructions. Connect the hose to the DSG fluid bottle as described in the supplied instructions.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 28

How To Step 29

Allow around 2.5 liters of DSG fluid to flow by gravity or pump into the VW Jetta and Jetta SportWagen transmission. As fluid is being fed into the transmission, with the vehicle elevated, and level off the ground, start the vehicle.

With the brakes applied, shift/select through all the gears of the transmission while the engine is idling. Allow 5 seconds for each gear selection. While the engine is still in park and idling, continue to gravity feed or pump the DSG fluid into the transmission. This will allow several more liters to flow into the transmission. Allow all 5.2-6 liters to empty and flow into the DSG transmission, quickly remove the fill adapter and hose and install the drain plug and sealing washer snug. The Drain plug only needs to be tight enough to minimize a leak. We will be removing the drain plug again during a later step.

Blauparts’ DSG Transmission Fluid Fill Tool Alternatives

If you would like a quick flow of DSG fluid into the transmission for the above step 29 process you can use pump tool number J91001. See our J91001 Instructional Document that shows how to adapt the pump to the Ravenol or Eurol bottle spout tube. The hand pump base can be adapted directly to the Ravenol or Eurol bottle tube that pulls out from the bottle cap. As the fluid is pumped into the transmission, the bottle will collapse as the fluid is sucked from it. This may not be the prettiest way to pump fluid into the transmission, but it is an adequate and cost-effective way to fill the fluid, rather than having to buy the more expensive T2A0152 tank and T2A0111 adapter.

Fluid Transfer Hand Pump Tool
$22.95

Purchasing one of our BLAU Transmission Filter Fluid Kits?

Our BASE VW Jetta DSG Transmission Fluid Change Kits, do NOT include tools. Customers may want to purchase the Audi VW DSG Transmission Fluid Fill Adapter Pump Tool - VAS6262 for conveniently filling the DSG transmission.

Our ENHANCED VW Jetta DSG Transmission Fluid Change Kits, include the DSG Transmission Fluid Fill Adapter VAS6262 tool and hose for gravity filling DSG transmissions. However, it does NOT include the pump. Don't want to use the gravity fill method for filling your DSG transmission? Customers may want to also purchase the our Fluid Transfer Hand Pump Tool.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 29 Part 1

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 29 Part 2

How To Step 30

As the engine is idle. Plug the Ross-Tech diagnostic software or similar software into the OBD2 port and begin to monitor the Volkswagen DSG transmission fluid temperature.

Using the Ross-Tech:

  • 1st Select Control Module

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 30 Part 1

  • 2nd 02-Auto Trans Control Module

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 30 Part 2

  • 3rd Measuring Blocks – 08

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 30 Part 3

  • 4th Group 019 - Display group 019 in field 1 will allow for an accurate DSG fluid temperature reading.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 30 Part 4

How To Step 31

VW Jetta DSG Transmission Fluid Leveling Sequence

With the vehicle level and the engine at idle, bring the transmission fluid temperature up to warm between 35°C - 45C° (95°F –113°F). Do not allow the VW Jetta transmission temperature to exceed 45C° (113°F). At the temperature range between 35°C - 40C° (95°F –104°F), you can remove the transmission drain plug and one of (3) scenarios or conditions will take place.

Condition 1: Fluid is dripping or trickling out. Action - The fluid level is correct. Reinstall the fill plug.

Condition 2: A steady stream of fluid is running out of the fill whole. Action - The fluid level is over full. Allow it to drain until it is only a light stream trickling out.

Condition 3: No fluid is coming out of the fill hole. Action - Add fluid until it is dripping or trickling out.

The DSG fluid level is correct when the DSG fluid transitions from a consistent stream into its very light trickle or drip between the fluid temps of 35°C - 45C° (95°F –113°F).

Important Notes:

  • Do not allow your Volkswagen DSG transmission temperature to exceed 45C° (113°F). Reinstall the 14mm hex bit drain plug before the transmission fluid temperature exceeds 45C° (113°F).
  • Do not turn off the engine with the drain plug removed. This will allow excess DSG fluid to drain from the system. If this happens you will have to allow the transmission to cool and restart the fluid filling and leveling process.
  • If no fluid drips from the fill port between the temperatures of 35°C - 45C° (95°F – 113°F), the proper level has not been achieved. Reinstall the 14mm hex bit drain plug, turn off the engine, and allow the transmission to cool to below 30°C (86°F). Repeat the DSG transmission fluid level process per the above-recommended step 31.

How To Step 32

Reinstall the 14mm Allen drain plug with a new sealing crush washer and torque to 22 ft-lbs. 22 ft-lbs allows for adequate compression and sealing of the drain plug crush washer.

How To Step 33

Once the proper transmission fluid level has been attained, turn the engine off and exit the Ross-Tech diagnostic software and disconnect the OBD2 plug port.

How To Step 34

If you do not have a Ross-Tech diagnostic software available to you for reading the internal transmission fluid temperature you can use any diagnostic software that can access and read the internal transmission fluid temperature. The most accurate transmission fluid level and temperature reading are achieved using diagnostic software.

However, if you do not have diagnostic software, you may wish to use other options to read the VW Jetta transmission fluid temperature. One alternative is an infrared thermometer (See Image). Typically, an infrared thermometer reads within a 4-5 degree temperature difference when compared to diagnostic software which measures the true internal transmission fluid temperature. Thus, an infrared thermometer can be a reliable temperature source when performing the transmission fluid leveling sequence. If an infrared thermometer is used it is best to allow the fluid temperature and level reading to be more towards the low side of the temperature window of 35°C - 45C° (95°F–113°F). For example, a 34°C reading will be closer to a 38-39°C internal fluid temperature reading.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 34

How To Step 35

Re-install the lower engine splash pan with T-25 torx.

How To Step 36

Remove the VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Beetle, or Eos from the approved automotive lift or jack stands using factory lift points and procedures.

How To Step 37

Dispose of the old DSG fluid responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.

VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change How To Step 37

It's also good to note in your records the current mileage of when your DSG fluid change was done, as well as when you'll need to change your fluid next. Keeping detailed service records is a must for proper vehicle maintenance and good vehicle resale value.


Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?

BLAU® transmission fluid change kits use high-quality, synthetic* transmission fluids. Our fluids are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less transmission fluid changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, reduce exhaust/carbon emissions, and improve performance through reduced coefficient of friction and less driveline rolling resistance.

*For most kits, check the product description.

  • Convenient BLAU® ATF change kits include the correct spec, oil quantities, and OEM quality transmission filter for your specific vehicle make and model
  • ATFs that meet or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific transmission fluid specification requirements
  • Better transmission performance, less transmission slip, improved torque, and precise shifting efficiency
  • Sustainable ATFs that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions through improved transmission operation
  • Higher quality ATFs allow for longer change intervals and extended service lives, conserving the Earth's resources
  • Higher quality ATFs with advanced fluid technologies provide improved lubricating properties for less transmission wear and longer life
  • High-performance ATF with better shear load and flow performance properties
  • ATFs with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints providing protection in all conditions
  • ATFs with high, stable viscosity index reduces coefficient of friction inside the transmission
  • ATFs with high thermal oxidative stability with excellent cooling capacity for better transmission performance and less wear
  • ATFs with lower cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints provide transmission wear protection in all climate conditions
  • Long-life OEM ATF filters for extended fluid change intervals

Available Fluid Change Kits for VW Models with DSG Transmission