EuroVans and Rialtas with the VR6 engine and automatic transmission (01P) do
not have a dipstick or normal filler tube for the transmission. The 01P automatic
transmission is equipped with a short filler tube, which is capped with a red
plastic cover. VW considers this transmission unserviceable (sealed, closed) by
anyone other than a dealer and requires the use of only VW automatic transmission
fluid, P/N G052 162 A2.
Here is how to install a transmission dipstick so you can routinely check the
fluid level, observe the fluid color and odor, and add fluid without special equipment
or having to remove the belly pan.
APPROX. MODIFICATION TIME: 1 hour
PARTS LIST:
* All prices are pre tax.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Note: I followed the procedures listed in the Bentley manual for checking the
automatic transmission fluid (ATF) level, including measuring the fluid temperature
before opening the overflow tube.
Note: Having the fluid at the correct temp and running the gear selector through
the gears are imperative in order to get the level correct. When the transmission
is cool it appears to be over filled, just as it does in any other automatic transmission.
Note: The filler tube (P/N 098 321 405 C) has a mounting bracket at the lower
end and upper end. The upper bracket will NOT fit around the 6-cylinder starter
and must be removed from the tube. The lower bracket is more than sufficient to
secure the tube. When you break off the upper mounting bracket be sure that
you clean up any rough edges to prevent damaging any hoses or wiring which may
rub on the dipstick tube.
NOTE - It is recommended that you install the dipstick at the same time
as changing the ATF fluid and filter. See the
Automatic Transmission Service
page for details on this procedure.
CAUTION
- Before you remove the original black plastic filler tube,
make sure that you clean the area around where it fits into the transmission case
including the back side of the tube. Normally lots of road dirt tends to pile
up in this area. Cleaning this ahead of time will prevent any dirt or debris from
falling through the hole. It will also insure that the new filler tube fully seats
into the hole. It's not super critical because any dirt will fall in the pan and
will get picked up by the filter.
-
Remove
the existing fill tube by prying upwards with two small screwdrivers. It is
snapped in place and removes easily. The photo on the right shows the original
plastic tube with the plug and red seal cap taken off. There is an O-ring on
the black plastic tube down towards the bottom.
-
Remove the O-ring from the tube and place it on the dipstick tube between
the two ridges at the lower end of the tube. A new O-ring should be used if
possible. These ridges are intended to position the O-ring in the correct location.
-
Insert the dipstick tube into the case and secure it with the lower bracket.
-
(If you are going to change the fluid and filter, now is a good time.)
-
Check the fluid level with the dipstick. The fluid level when warm (105°F)
sits right between the two holes in the dipstick where it would normally.
