Checking Fluid Levels: Transaxle

NOTE: In the following procedures, letters and numbers in parenthesis are shown in illustrations.

Prior to checking ATF level:
- Ensure all fuses are okay
- Battery voltage must be at least 11.5 volts
- Ground connections on engine, transaxle and body must be okay
- All electrical components must be switched off
- Transaxle ATF temperature must not be above about 86°F (30°C)
- Vehicle must be on level surface and selector lever must be in "P" position
Connect VAG 1924 ATF filling system to vehicle. Remove noise insulation tray under engine.
Connect vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051. See ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD), INITIATING in DIAGNOSIS - 01P article. Select "08 - read measured value blocks" on the touch screen. Select display group 005 via "Measured value block" and "Change display group number". The first display zone shows the ATF temperature. The ATF temperature must not be more than about 86°F (30°C) at the start of test.

NOTE: The following detailed test procedures are described for VAG Scan Tool (1551).

Connect VAG Scan Tool (1551) and enter address word "02 Transmission electronics" and advance until "Select function XX" is indicated on display.
Measure ATF temperature in measured value block. Indicated on display:
- Rapid data transfer HELP
- Select function XX
Select function by pressing keys 0 and 8. (The function "Read measured value block" is selected with 08). Indicated on display:
- Rapid data transfer Q
- 08 - Read measured value block
Confirm entry with key Q. Indicated on display:
- Read measured value block
- Enter display group number XXX
Press keys 0 0 5. (005 selects the "Display group number 005"). Confirm entry with key Q. Indicated on display:
- Read measured value block 5
- 30° C 0011011 0 900 RPM
The first display zone shows the ATF temperature. The ATF temperature must not be more than about 86°F (30°C) at the start of test.
Start engine. Raise and support vehicle. Place drip tray under the transaxle.
Bring ATF to test temperature of 95-113°F (35-45°C). Remove ATF level plug (A) from the oil pan. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Locating ATF Level Plug In Oil Pan
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.
The ATF present in the overflow pipe (2) will run out. If ATF drips out of hole, ATF does not need to be topped off. Install NEW seal (1) to level plug and tighten to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m). ATF check is completed. Ensure sealing plug (3) and cap (4) remain closed. See Fig 2 . If only the ATF present in the overflow pipe runs out of hole, top off ATF.

Fig 2: Locating Plug Seal, Overfill Pipe, Sealing Plug & Cap
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.
To top off ATF, pry off plug securing cap (arrow) with a screwdriver. See Fig 3 . The securing cap locking device will be destroyed when doing this, so always replace securing cap. Pull plug out of filler pipe. On some transaxles, a cap with a spring retainer is installed. This cap can be used again.

Fig 3: Prying Off Plug Securing Cap
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

NOTE: An insufficient amount of ATF, as well as filling ATF to excess, affects the function of the transaxle.

Fig 4: Filling Transaxle Using VAG 1924 ATF Filling System

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Fill transaxle with ATF using VAG 1924 ATF filling system until ATF runs out of level hole. See Fig 4 .
Install NEW seal (1) to level plug and tighten to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m). See Fig 2 . Install sealing plug (3) on filler pipe until the spring retainer lock locates, or install plug on filler pipe and secure with a NEW cap. See Fig 2 and Fig 3 . Lock cap in place. The cap secures the sealing plug.
Ending output of VAG 1551. See END OUTPUT (FUNCTION 06) in DIAGNOSIS - 01P article.