Servicing the auto transmission on a 1998 Golf

[Dubnut]

The auto transmission in my Golf has started playing up when it is cold. When starting cold the trans appears to slip as soon as any strain is put on. The engine revs and it takes 5-10 seconds for the gears to engage.
So as a first step I serviced the trans by replacing the filter, gasket and fluid. The manual says that the trans has 5.3 ltrs of fluid, however when I drained mine only 2ltrs came out. I put 2ltrs of new fluid back in then checked the level by undoing the inspection nut with the engine warm and fluid dripped out indicating (according to the manual) that the fluid level was sufficient.

So where is the remaining 3.3ltrs of fluid? Does it remain in the torque converter or somewhere that it can't drain from?

After servicing the problem is still there but definitely improved. So now I'm thinking if I can somehow replace all the fluid it might completely fix the problem.

How do I drain all 5.3 ltrs of fluid?

[Hillbilly]

The auto transmission in my Golf has started playing up when it is cold. When starting cold the trans appears to slip as soon as any strain is put on. The engine revs and it takes 5-10 seconds for the gears to engage.
So as a first step I serviced the trans by replacing the filter, gasket and fluid. The manual says that the trans has 5.3 ltrs of fluid, however when I drained mine only 2ltrs came out. I put 2ltrs of new fluid back in then checked the level by undoing the inspection nut with the engine warm and fluid dripped out indicating (according to the manual) that the fluid level was sufficient.

So where is the remaining 3.3ltrs of fluid? Does it remain in the torque converter or somewhere that it can't drain from?

After servicing the problem is still there but definitely improved. So now I'm thinking if I can somehow replace all the fluid it might completely fix the problem.

How do I drain all 5.3 ltrs of fluid?

In the torque converter usually You have to do a full flush to get it out I believe.

I had the wrong oil put in an auto a few years ago and it took 12 litres to flush it through Could tell as it was a different color Tranny only held about 5L
At $23 a L was an expensive operation

[Umai Naa!!]

There is a tube in the drain hole that unscrews with an Allen key. This will dump the rest of the oil out. Refit it before you put the new oil in.

Also worth checking if the transmission has a replaceable filter.

[Umai Naa!!]

Just serviced one of these today actually.

You're right, even after dropping the pan and filter out, you don't get much out. Seemed happy with around 3.5L back in it. At operating temperature, anymore than that, it would trickle back out the inspection tube. Drove smooth as silk on the road test.

I think someone stuffed up the specs somewhere along the line. Everywhere suggests 5.3L, but I reckon that's probably a dry fill.

[Jmac]

Torque convertor holds around 2l. There isnt a procedure to empty it, the maintenance procedure is drain sump, change strainer and gasket and fill, then check level running at correct temp till it trickles out over the level tube
Cheers

[Umai Naa!!]

Yeah, I didn't think there was any more to it than that.

[Mk3 AAA]

Has anyone come across a decent DIY for a Mk3 box replacement?

[Dubnut]

Thanks all for the replies, much appreciated.

A few points worth noting for anyone looking to service their tranny:
1) The VW dealer quoted $39 ltr for the special VW brew of ATF, but I found a number of on-line sites that say Valvoline Max Life ATF is suitable for a 1998 Golf, and at $55 for 5 ltrs it is an easy decision.
2) Some people say that the inspection point for checking the fluid level is the 5mm allen key screw to the left of the filling tube BUT I believe the correct place to check is the 5mm allen key screw in the base of the pan. This is the screw that has the red tube rising up inside the pan and it's also the screw you remove to do the initial drain of the ATF.
3) Make sure the ATF is warm and the engine is running when you unscrew the allen key screw in the base of the pan to check the level. If fluid doesn't drip out then you need to add more fluid until it starts to drip out. Make sure your vehicle is level when checking the ATF level.


After servicing my tranny the vehicle is shifting much better, but not 100% so I suspect the service has only extended the life of the tranny for a little bit longer!