auto trans fluid no dipstick change question.

[raaizin]

I am changing the transmission fluid on a 2008 vw Jetta 2.5. Since this car doesn't have a dipstick there is no easy way to check level after it is all buttoned up. The basic procedure I am using is fill, get up to temperature then with engine running cycle through gears and top off till it overflows. My question is is if I cycle through gears do the drive wheels have to spin. I would like to use ramps in front and jack rear till car is level if possible.

Also are there any cars that need the wheels to spin. I have 2 other cars which would have to be changed down the road. A 2007 A6 with what i believe is a ZF trans and a 2008 BMW X3 which I think is a GM trans but havent researched that yet. Since both are AWD I would not be able to use ramps if the wheels must spin.

 

[HardbodyLoyalist]

Seems like it would be easier to just measure how much you take out and put the same amount back in.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: raaizin
I am changing the transmission fluid on a 2008 vw Jetta 2.5. Since this car doesn't have a dipstick there is no easy way to check level after it is all buttoned up. The basic procedure I am using is fill, get up to temperature then with engine running cycle through gears and top off till it overflows. My question is is if I cycle through gears do the drive wheels have to spin. I would like to use ramps in front and jack rear till car is level if possible.

Also are there any cars that need the wheels to spin. I have 2 other cars which would have to be changed down the road. A 2007 A6 with what i believe is a ZF trans and a 2008 BMW X3 which I think is a GM trans but havent researched that yet. Since both are AWD I would not be able to use ramps if the wheels must spin.


Sounds like a messy job. Is that why DIY'ers are doing for your model to change the transmission fluid? If you need to run it through the gears then I would suggest using jackstands. But be careful. What does the stealership charge for the transmission fluid service?

Regards, JC.

 

[Eddie]

Most vehicles I've owned don't need to spin wheels, only move the shift lever into all the detents. Ed

 

[jkhawaii]

No. The wheels do not need to spin.

 

[Burny]

just did this on wifes Lexus this week. I found the pins to jumper on the OBD (4&13) this with a series of shifts puts the AT temp light in diagnostic mode. Once temp hits bewtween 104 and 113 degrees the light goes from blinking to steady, this is when you look at the internal dipstick tube to look for fluid slowly trickling out then you button her up. VW's may be entirely different. I feel good I got the entire 12 quarts of WS fluid exchanged. Have run over 200 miles since change and everything is great.

 

[threeputtpar]

In my experience with the A6 ZF trans in my sig, yes you do need to have the wheels spin to get it to shift through all of the gears to properly set the ATF level. When I did the first D&F, I didn't do this and it was about a half a quart low and my dealer was nice enough to top it up for me when it was in for other warranty work.

I don't know for certain about the GM trans in your BMW.