Automatic transmission fluid (ATF), checking

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 27 other vehicles, including the 2002 Volkswagen Cabrio, 2001 Volkswagen Cabrio, 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio, 1999 Volkswagen Jetta, and 1999 Volkswagen Golf. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Conditions for check:

Vehicle parked on level surface
Parking brake applied
Selector lever in "P" position
Engine idling

When cold, the ATF must be topped up to the 20 °C (68 °F) marking.

Fig 1: Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.

Warm ATF up to operating temperature

Operating temperature: approx. 60 °C (140 °F).
Operating temperature can be reached from cold start after driving approx. 10 km (6.2 mi).

Measure ATF temperature with VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST).

Connect VAG 1551 as described on DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) MEMORY, CHECKING WITH VAG 1551 SCAN TOOL (ST) .
Press button -1- for "Rapid data transfer" mode.
Press buttons -0- and -2- to enter address word 02 for "Transmission Electronics" and press -Q button to confirm input.
Press button.
Press buttons -0- and -8- to select "Read Measuring Value Block" function 08, and press - Q- button to confirm input.
Press buttons -0- and -5- to enter display group number 05, and press -Q- button to confirm input.
The ATF temperature (as measured in C) appears in display field 1

Fig 2: VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) Scan Tool Display - Read Measured Value Block
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: An accurate reading will be displayed only when measured temperature is above 50 C (122 F).

At a temperature of 50-70 °C:

Check ATF level, top up or extract ATF if necessary.
- Use a non-fluffy cloth to wipe off the dipstick.
- ATF level must fall between the min. and max. markings.
  NOTE:
  - Only ATF with the designation DEXRON may be used. Do not use any lubricant additives.
  - Excessive ATF causes malfunctions and must therefore be extracted. ATF can be extracted with VAG 1358 A/2 and VAG 1358 A.
On VAG 1551 Press --> button.
ATF level too low:
Add missing quantity of ATF using funnel.
With engine running and vehicle stationary, shift through all selector lever positions once.
Check ATF level.
- ATF level varies according to ATF temperature. The min. and max. markings on the ATF dipstick relate to an ATF temperature of 60 °C (140 °F).
  VAG 1551 Scan Tool (ST) must remain connected for checking Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Memory using the On Board Diagnostic (OBD) program DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) MEMORY, CHECKING WITH VAG 1551 SCAN TOOL (ST) .
Fig 3: Checking ATF Level
Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC.