Re: automatic transmission fluid

["David Anderson" <anderson@msai.mea.com>]

On Jun 6, 10:19am, harper_dan@ccmail.ncsc.navy.mil wrote:
> Subject: automatic transmission fluid
>
>      A friend of mine has a '95 Jetta with an automatic transmission.  Her
>      owners manual indicates a dipstick for checking the fluid, but the
>      car only has a filler plug.  The dealer told her it would cost $45 to
>      check the fluid and it would cost $12 per quart.  Is there a method
>      an owner can check the fluid level in the car ?  We'd appreciate
>      any information/suggestions.


First of all, shame on your friend for getting an automatic!  (Just my
opinion.)

Seconds, she may be stuck with paying the dealer $45.  According to Bentley's:

"Two automatic transmissions are used in the cars covered by this manual:  the
"096" (also known as Phase I) and the "01M" (also known as Phase II).

The 096 A/T uses a dipstick to check the ATF level...

The 01M A/T, on the other hand, does not have a dipstick and the procedure
requires measuring and maintaining a specified ATF temperature (which is
neither cold nor hot, but somewhere in between) during the ATF level checking.
 Special Volkswagen tools are required for this operation and it is therefore
recommended that ATF level checking on 01M transmissions be left to an
authorized Volkswagen dealer."


Detailed procedures are given for both transmissions, but I'm not gonna type
them here....

Dave