ATF Level, Checking and Topping Up

ATF level, checking and topping off

Special Tools And Equipment



- VAG 1551 Scan Tool



- VAG 1551/3 Cable



- VAG 1924 container

VW ATF is available as a spare part:
- Container size 0.5 1(0.53 qt) - Part No. G 052 162 A1.
- Container size 1.0 1(1.06 qt) - Part No. G 052 162 A2.




- Always replace seal (arrow) when you check ATF level.

All functions which could be previously be performed with VAG 1551/1552 can also be perfromed with the new tester VAS 5051 in the vehicle self-diagnosis operating mode:




- VAS 5051 Vehicle diagnosis, testing and information system


ATF Level, Checking

Conditions for performing check
- Transmission not in emergency running mode, ATF temperature not above approx. 30° C.
- Vehicle level.
- Selector lever at "P".

- Remove sound insulation tray.
- Remove sound insulation from left front longitudinal member




- Secure reservoir of ATF filling system VAG 1924 to vehicle.
- If using tester VAS 5051, connect diagnosis cable VAS 5051/1 or VAS 5051/3 with ignition switched off to Data Link Connector (DLC).
- Perform On Board Diagnostic (OBD). Refer to Transmission and Drivetrain - Transmission Control Systems - Testing and Inspection - Procedures Testing and Inspection




- Switch tester on
The tester requires approx. 3 minutes to warm up
- Start engine
- Select zone "Vehicle self-diagnosis" on touch screen
- From this point, tester VAS 5051 guides user further.

If VAG 1551 is used:




- Remove Data Link Connector (DLC) cover -1-
- With ignition siwtched off, connect VAG 1551 Scan Tool with diagnosis cable VAG 1551/3A




Indicated on display:
1) appears alternately
- Start engine.
- Press key 1 for "Rapid data transfer" mode.




Indicated on display
- Press keys 0 and 2 select address word "Transmission electronics".




Indicated on display
- Confirm entry with key Q.




Indicated on display
- Press keys 0 and 8 to select function "Read measured value block".




Indicated on display
- Confirm entry with key Q.




Indicated on display
- Press keys 0 0 5 to select "Display group number 005".
- Confirm entry with key Q.




Indicated on display
The first display zone shows the ATF temperature.

- Bring ATF to test temperature.
Test temperature: 35°C to 45°C

- Raise vehicle.
- Place container under transmission.




- Remove ATF level plug from oil pan.




The ATF present in the overflow pipe (arrow 2) runs out.

- Observe amount of ATF draining from plug hole afterward.

If ATF drips out of the hole:
ATF need not be topped up.
- Install new seal (arrow 1) to plug and tighten to 15 Nm, ATF check is completed.
Sealing plug (arrow 3) and cap (arrow 4) remain closed.

If the ATF present in the overflow pipe runs out of the plug hole but no further draining is observed:
- Top up ATF in transmission.


ATF Level, Topping off
With engine running.




- Pry off plug securing cap -arrow- with a screwdriver.

Note: The cap locking device will be damaged when removing the cap. Always replace the cap after topping off the ATF level.

- Remove plug from filler pipe.




- Fill with ATF using VAG 1924 until ATF runs out of level hole -arrow-.

Note: An insufficient ATF filling, as well as filling to excess, affects the function of the transmission.




- Install new seal to level plug -arrow 1- and tighten to 15 Nm.
- Install plug on filler pipe and secure with a new cap -arrow 2-.
- Lock cap.

Note: Always replace the cap. The cap secures the sealing plug.