Automatic Transmission Fluid - 4 Speed VW 01M

[CraigR]

Hi guys,

Here I am writing an oil question on a forum, something that I did not ever see myself doing. However, after searching this forum among others, I cannot seem to find a solid answer.

What ATF should I be using in the 01M 4 speed auto? I have used the Castrol retail oil selector, and they are suggesting Transmax Z. Not doubting them, but this comes under the "trucks and busses" section and is circa $90 for 4L. Transmax Z meets VW501.60 specification, but is this the fluid I am to use? It is triple the price of the other Castrol ATFs, and not sold at many places.

The car is a 2003 mk4 Golf 2.0 SE - APK engine, 01M transmission.

TIA!

[Umai Naa!!]

No matter which way you go, they're not cheap for the oil.

Liqui Moly has one of the correct specs, but again not cheap. Don't forget to do the filter. Also, there's a procedure to it, for refilling. It's gravity-filled from the bottom.

I'd get a small sample of the oil that is in it first, before embarking on servicing it. If the oil is burnt and feels like it has metal in it, don't bother going any further. The box is worn out internally, so an oil change would be a waste of time.

[CraigR]

Found an alternative to the G 052 162 A2 oil that the 01M requires, being Valvoline MaxLife ATF for roughly $45 for 4L, half the price of Castrols Transmax Z.

I didn't realise that the mk3 golf used the same auto 4 speed as this car did - my brothers girlfriend had one and gave them a whole lot of none stop sh*t. However, this box behaves itself and seems to be in good condition. Already have ordered the filter kit. There seems to be a small leak coming from the pan/gasket anyway, so it needs changing regardless.

[CraigR]

I'm going to go with the Valvoline MaxLife ATF - $45 for 4L - Cheapest option and meets VW specification.

Nulon's Multi Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (Full Synthetic) also meet VW/Audi specification (G 052 025 A1 & G 052 025 A2) in case anyone comes looking, and is around the $60 mark.

Valvoline MaxLife Milti-Vehicle ATF - SPECIFICATION
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf

Nulon Full Synthetic Multi Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid - SPECIFICATION
https://www.nulon.com.au/images/file.../PB-SYNATF.pdf