Synthetic trans oil

[Zydell <jzydell@erols.com>]

> Hi Folks,
> As it's getting colder, I've decided to change my transmission fluid on
> Thursday to MT-90 from stock.  Any pointers?  Do I have to leave it for a
> while to drain completely before I add the new one?  Any and all relevant
> advice would be welcome.
> Thanx in advance,
> Rendy

This post got me thinking that I would like to put synthetic trans fluid
in my car.  Soooo, I made the mistake of talking to my local dealer's
service department.  When I talked to the service manager, he stated
very strongly that it was a bad idea.  He didn't out and out refuse to
change it to synthetic for me (I didn't press him on the issue), but he
said that it would void the warranty.  He said that the last customer to
switch to syntetic trans fluid had to replace his transmission 3 months
later.  He said that VW specially formulated the fluid in the trans
fluid and that it was synthetic already (and very expensive by the way).

OK, is this just another case of an idiotic dealer who only remembers
the days when synthetic lubricants were new and not very good?  I can't
decide what to do.  The guy's name is Carl, and the dealership is
Southern VW in Waldorf MD.  Maybe I should ask other area dealers'
service departments?

- -- 
John Zydell
'96 black Jetta GLX 5-speed
Autothority Chip, K&N drop-in, Mobil 1 15W-50, euro switch,
35% tinted windows, tinted side marker lights,
tinted fog light covers, Zer Cup spoiler