'99 New Beetle Automatic Transmission level

[CathyDad]

Continuing the saga of Cathy's '99 Beetle, today was tranny day. I drained the fluid following all the instructions--this poor transmission was very overful of some nasty looking brown liquid. I cleaned everything and changed the filter, etc. Very nice gasket, by the way--so easy to install properly. The question I have is how much fluid to put in after this procedure? I know only a small percentage comes out--that being the problem. With no dipstick to check, that leaves filling until oil starts to run from the drain hole after the red plastic baffle insert is seated. I will be draining and refilling several times over the next few months and would appreciate a ballpark estimate on the actual amount of fluid. I have the VAG-COM, just want to know a decent planning number. I just would appreciate an old fashioned "comfort level" type number. Thanks.

[hako]

I'm no expert...not even a shade-tree mechanic, but I'd say that even a ballpark figure would be impossible - the torque converter may or may not leak down, temp when draining will affect the amount drained, trans oil cooler may or may not drain etc etc.
There is another way top completely change the oil which involves draining via the oil cooler hose with engine running till no oil exits, then measure oil and replace exactly the same amount. Some experts look down upon this method but that could be due to it being a good earner for them.

[CathyDad]

Thanks--this brings up what I believe is a root problem with the entire lineup. Automatic transmissions are not a new idea. The VW 4 speed auto is not some new breakthrough. The variables with temperature and torque converters have always been there --along with dipsticks. I remember having to check my ATF level in drive with the emer brake applied and the dipstick was marked hot and cold or something similar. I own a VAG-Com setup, so I can always use that. Not everybody wants to buy a computer to talk to the computer that then senses and reports the same information a dipstick does. I believe more people would do more maintenance if it were not made nearly impossible. If I can thread a funnel down to the fill pipe, a dipstick would fit, too. How many vehicles have so many problems just because the battery had to be disconnected? Volkswagen has lost its soul. Maintaining a VW used to be an enjoyable experience.

[veedubmechanic]

If you replaced the filter put in 5qts of the vw atf. Use only the vw atf not aftermarket or your transmission will be ruined.

oh and if you check with the vag-com under transmission 02, measuring value block 1 the trans temperature should be 38-44deg C to properly check the fluid level.

[CathyDad]

Thanks--I used the VW "pentosin" (SP?) fluid and had the transmission up to temperature using special calibrated lab thermometers--mine were registering 106 deg F (100.4 - 111.2deg F) Not everybody seems to like the VW ATF--I was at the dealer to try to find a replacement red safety cap for the tranny fill, so I bought that stuff. I'll let you know what I find out. Many folks recommend the newest all synthetic fluids since they handle the broadest temp ranges and have better shear qualities. Some rebuilders only warrant rebuilds with synthetic fluids..I do not know. Having a new filter and drained what I could get out seemed to help. I will drain two liters in a few months, replacing what I drain. I'll keep that up until I feel good about the fluid. I definitely like the sound of things now--very noticeable. I still prefer the "keep it simple" methods. This did not have to be this way. Think dipstick--I may make one yet, just to feel good again. I bet I can find a way.

[hako]

A dipstick would be good but very difficult to fit and probably leak etc. They were dropped by most car makers as they said the transmissions never leaked so why have a dipstick. Also they plan on you using a service dept for services....people like you and I are nuisances to them!
In reality the VW NB engine and trans are purely conventional if not old-fashioned engineering design with nothing out of the ordinary so why they need special VW oils etc is open to question in my opinion. Good Luck.

[CathyDad]

We know you are right. I will never actually install a dipstick, but it wouldn't be impossible. And I believe I could make it seal as well as the o-rings on the fill plug. But--I will let that go and live with the current design. The VAG-COM tool and the calibrated thermometers agreed pretty well on the temps. I know the thermometers were correct. I used to do some pretty precise work. Just the thought of hooking up computers to talk to the other computers so you have the right temp--then adding ATF until it drips over the top of a plastic screw in baffle seems a stretch. Like "measure with a micrometer, mark with chalk, then cut with an axe. VWs should be simple.

[hako]

I've got an idea that a lot of these "must do"s" are really a joke on us by the tech people at VW. More than one way to skin a cat eh!

[veedubmechanic]

VW doesnt reccomend changing the fluid. Its because when the car has 100k on it and the trans fails because the fluid is black and burnt, you just simply replace the transmission. (its also probably also why they made it simple to replace the transmission also)

[hako]

The trans may be simple to replace but it ain't so simple for the average Joe Palooka to come up with the readies for a replacement trans....which will probably cost more than a replacement car! This leads on to why people with old cars will even put banana skins in the diff to quiten it...the reason is simple - cost.