[HELP] Tiguan Drivetrain fluid changes

[Arctra]

4-5L for a service, including dropping the pan and changing the filter.

Raise the rear of the car, so that it's level, start the car and run until at desired temperature, then pull the inspection plug and let the excess drain out.

7L is when you've fitted a brand new torque converter and transmission. You'll never get all the old oil out at a service.

Also, look for metallic 'silt' in the old oil.

Thanks. So does 3L sound about right given I didn't drop the pan and change the filter then?

[Umai Naa!!]

Yeah, I'd say around 3-4L.

A lot stays in the pan even after you've removed the level tube.

[Arctra]

Looks like the mistake I made was not having the engine running when I checked the ATF level... RTFM!!!

Just found this video which might help others:
How To Check and Fill VW Tiguan Transmission Fluid aka VW Tiguan ATF Level Aisin 6 Speed 09M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxlDyNnDQAc

[Arctra]

And if you're going to remove the pan and change the filter, this is probably the video to use:
How To Change VW CC, Passat, Tiguan Transmission Fluid & Filter Aisin 09M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TPMOahVRmY

[Arctra]

Looks like the mistake I made was not having the engine running when I checked the ATF level... RTFM!!!

Well, I got home from work this evening, got the vehicle on the level and with the engine running I took the drain plug out expecting excess fluid to come out... but there was nothing

I put just over a liter of fluid in (with the engine still running) before there was any dribble back from the drain hole. So I am VERY glad I checked it again (properly this time)!

One observation - the fluid that came out was quite dirty again (albeit less dirty and more red than the first drain). So even when the fluid is drained from the pan there must still be a lot of old fluid left in the torque converter and other parts of the box. Given Fuchs recommend 7L I suspect around as much fluid as was drained out remains in the box.

Seeing as I have another 4L bottle of fluid sitting in the garage (that I can't return because I've already broken the seal) and I have no use for it, I think I might drop the fluid again and put the rest of the fresh stuff in so a vast majority of it is fresh and I get as much of the dirty stuff out as possible (without removing the torque converter).

[Arctra]

Front Bevel Box (Differential) Oil Seal Leak Repair


The other weekend when I was servicing my drivetrain fluids I stopped at the front diff (which VW calles the Bevel Box) because there seemed to be a lot of oil in the area which made me suspect something was wrong.


Today the Umai Nai confirmed it was definitely a leaking seal when he took the drive shaft for a closer look


The replacement seal he had ordered looked to be the correct one, but be aware, it does seem to be important that you give the dealer your VIN so they give you the correct seal as apparently there are a couple of different seals for the various models.


I was relieved to see that when the leaking seal was removed some fluid spilled out, so the leak wasn't that bad. And then the drain bolt was removed, although the oil wasn't clean, it wasn't black and smelly either - so it was probably ready for a change, but not overdue. With the new seal in (blue arrow), and the drive shaft still off, it made getting into the refill hole (green arrow) and drain hole (orange arrow) much easier. Because I had a bit of leftover fluid from when I changed the rear (final drive) diff fluid, I felt it was worth pushing that through to flush out as much of the old fluid that might be in there as possible.


With the "flush" done, it was just a case of putting the drain bolt back in and pumping in the fresh fluid until it started weeping out of the fill hole. It took about 900ml so the 1 liter bottle I got was a perfect amount. With the drive shaft back in place and everything bolted back together I took the vehicle for a test drive and everything went smoothly.

So just a word of warning, it is probably worth your while checking under the front right side of the vehicle when you do your servicing to make sure the seal isn't leaking, and if it is, at least make sure you top up the fluid (if you don't want to replace the leaking seal).

[jets]

Thanks for your detailed write up with pics. I found them useful. Many years ago I owned a T4 auto & as far as I could tell it hadn't had a
fluid & filter change. The procedure is very similar to what you have posted. From memory, total fill was about 5.3 litres but only about 3.8 litres could be drained, the remainder remained in the torque converter & else ware. I spoke to the main & respected auto trans. specialist in Adelaide before I proceeded with the job. In view of this, he recommended staying with the VW genuine oil & not mixing oils.
He had no problem with changing brands after a complete dismantling/overhaul of the trans. as long as it was the same VW spec.
Another problem arises when the fluid is changed again by a new owner if the full service info [brand of oil] is not passed on.