Transmission fluid exchange - anybody done it?

[Kestas]

I read the link on how to change the fluid on the 01M 4-speed transmission.

First question -- does this apply to the 02 NewBeetle 1.8t?

Second question -- has anybody dared to do a complete exchange of the fluid on this model? I prefer to change ALL the fluid, not just what's in the pan.

[mezonesxbox]

:screwy: VW Life time transmission :screwy:

Yes its been done! There is a "how to" guide in the technical how to section in the forums. I am currently trying to get it done. My car is reaching 60,000 miles and i am in the right time to change the TRans fluid. It takes some work but can definetilly be done. You need 3 liters of Pentosin OEM Automatic Transmission Fluid part#G 052 162 A2 for a fluid change or 5 liters for a total flush and change. You will also need a filter kit and gasket seal. Go to ECS tuning for parts at a really good price.

:screwy: VW Life time transmission :screwy:

Seriously VW Scr%$@! VW owners with the transmission deal. Here is the thing: VW refuses to deal with the transmission and claims it is "LIfe Time" which is all false. They want us to break our Trany around the 100,000 mark which is a cars life time and then buy a new one for $3,000 + labour totaling about 4-5 grand. The trany needs attention just like any other car and many VW owners dont realize it untill it is too late....

Hope i helped some, any questions let me know as i am working on a PFD "how to" change the fluid.

:screwy: VW Life time transmission :screwy:

[Kestas]

The "how-to" section only goes as far as dropping the pan and replacing the fluid that is in there, not completely exchanging the fluid until fresh fluid starts coming out by using the iterative process of breaking into the transmission cooler line and idling the engine to move the old fluid out.

Is it really necessary to replace the gasket seal, or is this the reusable type? In the photos it looked like rather thick rubber, suggesting that it is reusable.

Also, is the filter a media filter or just a screen (which is reusable)?

[mezonesxbox]

Its a screen, and yes the seal can be used again.

[Kestas]

Dang it! -- I just ordered the parts yesterday!

[El Subcomandante]

I just did the ATF flush for my 99 New beetle.
The more "difficult" part is to check fluid level, but I just put in 3.6 litters, same amount that put out.. I used G 052 162 A2 pentosin (is that right?) and new filter..
My NB has about 77K miles, oil fluid did not smell bad (burned).. And the oil pan, I can say was not "very" dirty.
After the flush I did a test and just felt a couple of gear changes a little bit more rough.. do you think its normal?
Thanks
El Sub...

[Porkchop]

Its a screen, and yes the seal can be used again.

On my 01M it's a filter and it is not reusable.

The rubber seal can be reused to some extent (like if you open it up about 10,000 miles later), but I wouldn't put the original seal back on if it's been on there a few years.

And finally, when I first changed mine at about 60K, it was very dirty (as shown in the how-to). Since I didn't "flush" the entire transmission, I did it again 10,000 miles later and was surprised to see the fluid was still clean and honey-colored.

So, while flushing it would be ideal, if you haven't let it go too long, just changing the fluid in the pan is sufficient.