This article details the necessary steps on how to change VW transmission fluid on 2002-2019 Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Beetle, and Eos models that came equipped with the 6-speed DSG transmissions. This 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 transmission. Test Test
Post Contents [hide]
- VW DSG Transmission Service Info
- What Is the VW Transmission Fluid Change Interval for DSG Transmissions?
- What Type of VW Transmission Fluid Does the DSG Transmission Use?
- What Is the VW Transmission Fluid Fill Capacity for the DSG Transmission?
- FAQ: Why do some kits have 5 liters and other kits have 6 liters?
- BLAU Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kit Product Overview (DSG 6-Speed DQ250 02E 0D9)
- Step-by-Step VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change Instructions - 6 Speed
Copyright © Blau®, Blauparts® LLC. All rights reserved. The content (text, images, etc.) in this blog article is the exclusive property of Blauparts LLC and its subsidiaries and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without our express written consent. Read our copyright and trademark policy by clicking on our “Terms of Use” link below.
VW DSG Transmission Service Info
This procedure is demonstrated on a 2006 VW Jetta GLI with the DSG 6-speed automatic transmission. However, these DSG fluid and filter how-to steps and procedures also apply to the following VW 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
2010-2018 VW Passat 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2012-2015 VW Passat 2.0L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2012-2018 VW Passat 3.6L 24V DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2010-2017 VW CC 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2006-2018 VW Golf GTI 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2006-2018 VW Golf 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2008-2008 VW Golf R32 3.2L VR6 DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2015-2017 VW Golf R Hatchback DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2010-2015 VW Golf 2.0L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2017-2018 VW Golf 1.8T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2017-2019 VW Golf Alltrack 1.8T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2002-2008 VW Beetle 1.9L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2013-2015 VW Beetle 2.0L TDI DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2012-2017 VW Beetle 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2007-2008 VW Eos 3.2L VR6 DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
2007-2016 VW Eos 2.0T DSG Transmission Fluid and Filter Change
What Is the VW Transmission Fluid Change Interval for DSG Transmissions?
How often should VW DSG transmission fluid be changed? The recommended service interval for changing the VW 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. 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 isn't strictly referred to as VW "automatic" transmission fluid (aka VW ATF).
What Type of VW Transmission Fluid Does the DSG Transmission Use?
- The 02E and 0D9 6-Speed DSG 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.
What Is the VW Transmission Fluid Fill Capacity for the DSG Transmission?
- The transmission fluid service fill for the DSG 6-Speed is 5.2 liters (5.49 quarts)
- The transmission fluid dry fill capacity for the DSG 6-Speed is 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts)
FAQ: Why do some kits have 5 liters and other kits have 6 liters?
All of our VW Golf 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.
We offer two DSG fluid change kit options for customers performing this fluid and filter change service. One kit option is our base kit, and the other is our enhanced kit.
The base kit includes the bare minimum to perform this service. No special fill adapter tool and only 5 liters of fluid. Typically, this is good for customers who have previously bought a DSG fluid change kit from us and have some extra fluid left over from the previous service or a rushed fluid change in a budget situation. In some cases, 5 liters of DSG fluid is enough for some situations where a minimal duration of time is allowed for the fluid to drain.
Our enhanced kit includes an additional 1-liter bottle of fluid, totaling 6 liters of DSG fluid, and 1 fluid fill adapter tool and hose for gravity filling the transmission. Typically, these are required when doing a thorough DSG fluid and filter change.
Please Note: We suggest our enhanced DSG fluid change kit when performing this service. This is to ensure our customers are supplied with the factory 5.2 liter DSG fluid and filter change capacity. Please see the links below and the product descriptions so you can make an informed decision on which kit you want for this service.
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. (See the related product below)
BLAU Transmission Fluid Filter Change Kit Product Overview (DSG 6-Speed DQ250 02E 0D9)
Step-by-Step VW DSG Transmission Fluid Change Instructions - 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 DSG 6-speed transmission was used in a variety of Volkswagen models. Depending on the year and model 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 models use a simplified battery tray design with less or no plastic covers.
How To Step 2
Remove the front side of the 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.
How To Step 3
Disconnect the battery power cables. Both the positive and negative cable clamps are 10mm.
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 engine cover and battery.
How To Step 5
Remove the battery along with the battery insulation.
How To Step 6
Remove the three 10mm bolts holding the battery tray frame in place.
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.
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 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 fuse box wires.
How To Step 9
Elevate your Volkswagen Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Beetle, or Eos 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 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.
How To Step 11
Remove the 14mm hex bit VW DSG transmission drain plug along with the crush washer. Allow your old VW DSG 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.
How To Step 12
Drain the remaining DSG transmission fluid by removing the VW DSG transmission fluid level insert. This is an 8mm hex bit recessed up inside the drain plug port.
How To Step 13
Once you have confirmed all the old VW DSG 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 transmission to the top side of the engine bay.
How To Step 15
Locate the DSG transmission filter housing. This is located on the top side of your Volkswagen 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.
How To Step 16
Remove the DSG 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.
How To Step 17
Install the new VW DSG transmission filter in the same orientation as the old one. Confirm the filter o-ring area has popped onto the transmission.
How To Step 18
Remove and replace the sealing o-ring on the VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Beetle, or Eos 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.
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 DSG transmission fluid services.
How To Step 20
Reinstall the battery tray and tighten the three 10mm bolts to 5 ft. lbs.
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 vehicles are 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.
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 vehicles are not 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 DSG Transmission Fluid Filling Procedure:
How To Step 27
With the filling tool adapter VAS 6262 installed, slide the fill hose on as pictured.
How To Step 28
With the fill hose up in front of the VW Jetta, Passat, CC, Golf, Beetle, or Eos 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.
How To Step 29
Allow around 2.5 liters of DSG fluid to flow by gravity or pump into the 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 Alternative
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 and .
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
- 2nd 02-Auto Trans Control Module
- 3rd Measuring Blocks – 08
- 4th Group 019 - Display group 019 in field 1 will allow for an accurate DSG fluid temperature reading.
How To Step 31
VW DSG 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Available DSG Fluid Change Kits for VW Models
Copyright © Blau®, Blauparts® LLC. All rights reserved. The content (text, images, etc.) in this blog article are the exclusive property of Blauparts LLC and its subsidiaries and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without our express written consent. Read our copyright and trademark policy by clicking on our “Terms of Use” link below.
