achecking and changing auto transmission fluid

[lorraine]

I have a 2003 T4 Transporter with auto gearbox.I want to give it an oil change and renew the filter/screen and the oilpan gasket.Can anyone see any problems with this? I would welcome any advice about filling levels. Do I fill it right to the top of the plastic filler hole or is the level kept down below the level of the plastic neck? Is it really important to use VW ATF? It seems to be overpriced. Can anyone help with the above?

[jets]

I have done this & I will give a detailed reply in the next day or so, am a bit busy at the present.
Here is some reading in the meantime.
http://homepage.mac.com/msiminoff/PhotoAlbum53.html

[jets]

After reading the link I attached you should have some understanding how the level is checked. The van needs to be level with the trans oil at between 35 & 45 degrees & the engine running. The level plug is removed. A small amount of oil will come away that has splashed into the spill tube during operation. If no more oil drains away it is either correct or low. To be sure the oil is not too low you will need to remove the red cap & pump in some more oil untill it overflows into the spill tube.
The red cap may need to be replaced unless you can work out how it is released. Try pushing a small screw driver or pointy rod up into the slot.
In ref. to the link I do not remove the spill tube[you may need a new seal] but lower the pan on a trolley jack. If you are carefull you won't spill any oil.
The magnet is not captive on the pan but is lifted out for cleaning.
I would/did use the genuine VW oil & yes it is expensive. If you are changing the oil, less than 4 litres will drain from a total of around 5.5 litres.Our local auto trans specialist with lots of experience strongly recommends against mixing oils. The only time I would consider another oil is if the trans has been overhauled & then only with the correct specs.

[lorraine]

Thanks for you help Jets, it was much appreciated.Job now done, van seems to go okay, will check the oil level in a week or so.