When checking, the transmission oil temperature should be slightly below +35°C, which is achieved shortly after starting the engine. To determine the temperature, VW diagnostic equipment must be connected to the connector. Otherwise, the temperature can only be determined approximately.
When checking, it is necessary to use protective glasses.
Automatic transmission 01K, 01F and 018
Oil change
Install the VAG 1306 oil pan under the gearbox.
Fig. 2–21. Location of the filler (1) and drain (2) plugs for automatic transmissions 01K and 01F
Fig. 2–22. Location of the filler (1) and drain (2) plugs of the automatic transmission 018
Unscrew plug 2 (Fig. 2–21, 2–22) of the drain hole and drain the oil from the gearbox.
Screw plug 2 back into place with a new gasket and tighten it to a torque of 40 Nm.
Unscrew plug 1 of the oil filler hole.
Hang the VAG 1924 container with G 052 162 A oil above the gearbox, for example at the level of the radiator grille.
Fill with oil from the VAG 1924 container up to the lower edge of the oil filler hole.
Run the engine at idle speed and add oil to the bottom of the oil filler hole.
Remove the VAG 1924 container, screw the plug into the oil filler hole and tighten it by hand.
With the engine idling, press the brake pedal and move the selector lever alternately to all positions, holding in each position for 2–3 s.
Turn off the ignition.
Check the automatic transmission oil level.
Checking the oil level
The oil level should be checked with the vehicle in a horizontal position, with the gearbox warmed up to a temperature of 30°C, and the selector lever moved to the position P. The air conditioner and heating system must be turned off.
Connect the VAG 1551 fault reading device.
Let the engine idle and check the gearbox temperature, which should not exceed 30°C.
When the automatic transmission temperature is between +35 and +40°C, unscrew the threaded plug 1 of the oil filler hole (see Fig. 2–21). The oil level is normal if the oil leaks out slightly (as a result of the increase in level during heating).
If the level is insufficient, add oil into the oil filler hole.
Screw the plug into the oil filler hole and tighten it to a torque of 60 Nm.
Checking the oil condition
When checking the oil level in the automatic transmission, also check the condition of the oil. Compare it with new oil in color, smell and viscosity.
If the oil in the gearbox is dark or almost black with a burnt smell, it means that the friction linings of the gearbox are worn out.
If the gearbox oil is milky, it means that water has gotten into it. This can happen when the car is constantly used for short trips. If the color of the oil does not change after a long trip, it is necessary to change the oil.
The oil may become dark brown and sticky to the touch due to overheating of the gearbox or too high a level in the gearbox. If changing the oil does not help, you should contact a specialized workshop.
If dirt particles or metal shavings are found in the oil when checking the oil level or changing the oil in the automatic transmission, it is necessary to diagnose or repair the automatic transmission at a specialized service station.