This article details the necessary steps on how to change VW transmission fluid on 2002-2018 Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, and Rabbit models that came equipped with the 6-speed Aisin transmissions. This transmission type is also referenced as the 09G and 09M transmissions, which are the first three letters of the transmissions part number.
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VW 09G or 09M Transmission Fluid Change Info
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 in the tabs below that also came equipped with 09G and 09M transmissions. Owners that are unsure of what type of transmission they have and what type of transmission fluid they need can see 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 Sportwagen 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2011-2015 VW Jetta 2.0L 8V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2013-2017 VW Jetta 1.4T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2014-2018 VW Jetta 1.8T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2006-2010 VW Passat 2.0T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2006-2008 VW Passat 3.6L VR6 Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2012-2014 VW Passat 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2014-2017 VW Passat 1.8T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2018-2022 VW Passat 2.0T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2009-2009 VW CC 2.0T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2009-2016 VW CC 3.6L VR6 Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2010-2014 VW Golf 2.5L Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2015-2019 VW Golf 1.8T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2009-2018 VW Tiguan 2.0T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2006-2010 VW Beetle 2.5L 20V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2002-2017 VW Beetle 1.8T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2018-2019 VW Beetle 2.0T Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2002-2005 VW Beetle 2.0L 8V Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2006 - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2.5L Transmission Fluid and Filter Changes
What Is the VW Transmission Fluid Change Interval for Aisin Transmissions?
How often should Aisin VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit transmission fluid be changed? The recommended service interval for changing the VW transmission fluid on Aisin transmissions is every 50,000 miles - 60,000 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. Changing your 6-speed VW Aisin transmission fluid is important and helps extend the life of your transmission.
What Type of VW Transmission Fluid (AKA VW ATF) Does the Aisin Transmission Use?
The VW 09G and 09M 6-Speed Aisin automatic transmissions came optioned with two different ATF specifications from VW. The ATF specification required will depend on the exact year, make, model, and engine option. For some vehicle applications, a transmission code might be required to confirm the exact ATF specification required.
Owners that are unsure of what type of transmission they have and what type of transmission fluid they need can see our helpful, What Type of Transmission Fluid (ATF) Does My VW Take blog post.
- VW OE part numbers G 055 025 A2 and G 055 025 A6 (Eurol ATF 1100 J1D3004-001 or RAVENOL T-IV J1D2108)
- VW OE part numbers G 055 540 A2 and G 055 540 A6 (Eurol ATF 7400 J1D3003-001 or RAVENOL T-WS J1D2122)
What Is the VW Transmission Fluid Fill Capacity for 09G 09M Transmissions?
- The transmission fluid service fill capacity for the Volkswagen Aisin 6-speed is 3.2 liters (3.38 quarts)
- The transmission filter and fluid service fill capacity for the Volkswagen Aisin 6-speed is 5 - 6 liters (5.2-6.3 quarts)
- The transmission fluid initial dry fill capacity for the Volkswagen Aisin 6-speed is 7 liters (7.39 quarts)
- For more fluid capacity information see step 18
Step-by-Step VW Transmission Fluid Change Instructions - Aisin 6 Speed
How To Step 1
Place the vehicle level on an approved automotive lift or jack stands using factory lift points and procedures.
How To Step 2
Begin by removing the lower engine splash pan. This is held in place by several T-25 torx bit screws.
How To Step 3
Locate, loosen, and remove the VW transmission pan drain plug allowing the Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit ATF to drain into a suitable waste oil drain pan. This is a 5mm Allen drain plug.
How To Step 4
Once the transmission pan drain plug has been removed you will need to locate the drain plug fluid level insert. This is recessed up inside the transmission pan drain plug port. The drain plug level insert is a 5mm Allen. As you are removing the drain plug level insert you will allow the remaining Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit ATF to drain from the transmission pan into a suitable waste oil drain pan. Once the fluid has drained, reinstall the drain plug. This will minimize fluid spillage during pan removal and cleaning.
How To Step 5
Remove the transmission pan. This is held in place by 10mm bolts. Begin by loosening all the transmission pan bolts. Once all the bolts are loose, remove all the bolts except two at opposite ends of the transmission pan. Lastly, remove the two bolts left well supporting the pan. In most cases, there will be a small amount of Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, and Rabbit transmission fluid (aka VW ATF) still left in the pan. 09G style trans pan has 8 bolts total. The 09M style trans pan has 9 bolts total.
How To Step 6
Remove the VW transmission filter. This is held in place by three - 10mm bolts. Throughout the era of the VW 09G and 09M automatic transmissions several transmission filter styles were used. Slight variations will exist in the filters to what is depicted in the images. However, the steps and procedures in the instruction still apply.
How To Step 7
Remove the old rubber transmission pan gasket from the transmission pan.
How To Step 8
Clean the transmission pan and pan magnets of all dirty VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit ATF and sediment. The magnets are in the transmission pan. Always note the transmission pan magnet locations and return them to the original location after cleaning. This is best done with lint-free rags, a parts washer, or brake cleaner.
How To Step 9
Clean the VW transmission pan gasket mating surfaces on both the transmission side and the pan side. Make sure to remove all old gasket material and corrosive buildup. Be careful not to dirty any of the transmission internals and only use lint-free rags.
How To Step 10
Metal Style Transmission Filter - The metal style VW 09G, 09M transmission filters seal to the transmission valve body with a rubber cork material which could leave buildup. It is good to check for this build-up and clean these gasket mating surfaces to allow for a proper seal of the new VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit transmission filter. If a good seal is not made, this could cause transmission reliability and longevity problems. Be careful not to dirty any of the transmission internals and use lint-free rags.
Plastic Style Transmission Filter - The plastic style Volkswagen 09G or 09M transmission filters seal with an O-ring to the transmission valve body. Confirm that the old O-ring is not stuck up in the transmissions filter to the valve body port. Once you have confirmed the old O-ring is removed thoroughly clean the port with a link-free rag of any old ATF residue or debris. Be careful not to dirty any of the transmission internals and use lint-free rags.
How To Step 11
Metal Style Transmission Filter - Install the new transmission filter and evenly torque the three 10mm mounting bolts to 7 ft. lbs.
Plastic Style Transmission Filter - Lightly lubricate the filter to the valve body O-ring with clean automatic transmission fluid and install it onto the filter pipe bung. Evenly slide and seat the new transmission filter into the valve body. Confirm the O-ring is seated correctly and evenly torque the three 10mm mounting bolts to 7 ft. lbs. If a good seal is not made, this could cause fluid delivery cavitation, transmission reliability, and longevity problems. Do not install the filter O-ring dry as this can increase sealing imperfections.
How To Step 12
On a clean benchtop insert the transmission pan gasket spacers into the gasket.
How To Step 13
Install the transmission pan gasket onto the transmission pan, closely aligning the mounting holes.
How To Step 14
Reinstall the VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit transmission pan with gasket onto the transmission. Align the transmission pan mounting holes and install the 10mm mount bolts. First, tighten the mounting bolts evenly to a hand tight torque. Next evenly tighten the transmission pan from one side of the transmission pan to the other, torquing the bolts to 7 ft. lbs.
How To Step 15
Reinstall the transmission fluid level insert, using a 5mm Allen into the drain plug port. Leave insert snug and do not over tighten as this is made of plastic.
Aisin VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Tiguan, Beetle, or Rabbit Transmission Fluid Filling Procedure
How To Step 16
Hand tighten the fill adapter onto the VW transmission pan. Once the fill adapter is installed, slide the fill hose on as pictured.
How To Step 17
Slide the loose end of the fill hose up in front of the transmission and connect it to the fluid bottles as described in the supplied instructions. Connect the hose to the VW ATF bottle as described in the supplied instructions.
With the vehicle in a level and elevated position start filling the transmission with around 2.5 liters of ATF into the transmission. This can be done by gravity or a pump. A pump is a quicker option.
- With the 2.5 liters of ATF in the vehicle and the fill adapter and hose still attached to the transmission pan. Start the vehicle's engine.
- With the brakes applied, shift/select through all the gears of the transmission while the engine is idling. Allow 3-5 seconds for each gear selection.
- With the transmission back in park and the engine still idling, continue to gravity feed or pump the remaining 2-3 liters of new ATF into the transmission.
- With the engine still at idle quickly remove the fill adapter tool, and install the drain plug. Tighten the drain plug enough to minimize a leak.
Why do we supply 6 liters of ATF in this transmission service kit?
We supply 6 liters of ATF for this application to ensure all customers have an adequate amount of ATF on hand for all ATF-changing scenarios.
Typically draining the transmission fluid, lowering the transmission pan, and replacing the transmission filter will allow around 5 - 6 liters to drain from the transmission. The remaining 1 - 2 liters are in the torque converter, transmission cooler lines, and transmission cooler. Some customers allow a longer duration (siting overnight) to pass while changing the transmission filter and ATF. At times this allows another 0.5 - 1 liter to drain from random internal areas of the transmission. Others choose to drain the ATF during excessive transmission temperatures, loosen transmission cooler lines to remove more ATF from the transmission cooler-related areas, and other alternative techniques.
Our kit contains 6 liters of ATF for all average ATF fluid and filter change situations. This provides most customers an adequate amount of ATF while filling and fluid level checking the transmission. We also recommend having an extra liter in case a customer spills and would not typically have enough ATF on hand to complete the service.
Also, many individuals and automotive service facilities choose to drain the ATF into a measuring pan and will only pump the same amount of ATF back into the transmission as was removed. This is not the correct filling process and will yield an incorrect fluid level. We encourage all to use the recommended transmission fluid temperature leveling sequence. Bringing the ATF along with the transmission up to operating temperature together from cold allows for the most accurate ATF level and transmission shifting characteristics.
If you desire a more thorough ATF flush, we recommend driving the vehicle for 5-10 minutes and then performing a 2nd ATF drain, fill, and ATF leveling procedure with another 4 liters of ATF. This should allow the majority of harshly contaminated ATF to be removed from the transmission.
(To allow for a quicker flow of ATF into the transmission you may use ATF pump tool number J91001 as described below.)
Blauparts’ Transmission Fluid Fill Pump Tool Alternative
To allow for a quick flow of VW ATF into the transmission you can use pump tool number J91001. See our J91001 Instructional Document that shows how to adapt the pump to the Ravenol bottle spout tube. The hand pump base can be adapter directly to the Ravenol bottle tube that pulls out from the Ravenol 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 and .
How To Step 19
With the engine at idle. Plug the Ross-Tech diagnostic software into the OBD2 port and begin to monitor the transmission fluid temperature.
Using the Ross-Tech:
- (1st) Select Control Module
- (2nd) 02-Auto Trans Control Module
- (3rd) Measuring Blocks – 08
- (4th) Group 006.
Display group 006 in field 1 will allow for an accurate ATF temperature reading.
How To Step 20
With the vehicle level, and the engine still at idle. Bring the transmission fluid temperature to warm between 35°C - 45°C (95°F –113°F).
- When the transmission fluid temperature indicates 35°C you can remove the transmission drain plug and transmission fluid should begin to flow out from the fill port level insert.
- Allow the excess fluid to drain out into a waste oil pan.
- The transmission fluid level is correct when a steady stream of fluid flowing from the fill port transitions to a light trickling stream when the transmission temperature is between 35°C - 45°C (95°F –113°F).
Alternate Fluid Level Troubleshooting Scenarios:
Scenario 1 - If NO FLUID was flowing out of the fill port when you remove the plug, you would need to pump more fluid into the transmission until you experience a light trickling stream coming out of the fill port between the 35°C - 45°C (95°F – 113°F) degree temperature window. Once this fluid leveling scenario is observed, the fluid level is correct, and you can now reinstall the fill plug.
Scenario 2 - If a heavy stream of fluid flows out from the transmission fluid fill port hole within the 35°C - 45°C or 95°F – 113°F degree window, then the transmission fluid level is over full. Allow the excess fluid to drain out until the fluid transitions from a steady flow to a light trickling stream. Once this fluid leveling scenario is observed, the fluid level is correct, and you can now reinstall the fill plug.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the transmission temperature to exceed 45°C (113°F) during the fluid level process. The transmission temperature should not exceed 45°C (113°F) at any time while performing the final transmission fluid level check. Exceeding 45°C (113°F) will result in an incorrect transmission fluid level. Reinstall the 14mm hex bit drain plug before the transmission fluid temperature exceeds 45°C (113°F) and allow the transmission to cool to below 35°C (95°F) and then repeat the fluid temperature and leveling sequence.
How To Step 21
Reinstall the 5mm Allen drain plug and torque to 12 ft. lbs.
How To Step 22
Once the proper VW 09G or 09M transmission fluid level has been attained, turn the engine off and exit the Ross-Tech diagnostic software and disconnect the OBD2 plug port.
Alternative Transmission Fluid Temperature Tool:
If you do not have 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 readings are achieved using diagnostic software.
However, if you do not have diagnostic software, you may wish to use other options to read the transmission fluid temperature. One alternative is an infrared thermometer - See Image. Typically, an infrared thermometer reads within a 4° to 5° degree 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.
How To Step 23
Re-install the lower engine splash pan with T-25 torx.
How To Step 24
Remove the vehicle from the approved automotive lift or jack stands using factory lift points and procedures.
Unsure what type of transmission you have? See our helpful, What Type of Transmission Fluid (ATF) Does My VW Take blog post.