Quick trans fluid question

[krusovice]

Yesterday I drove to a friend to change my engine oil, differential oil and transmission oil on his lift. When I pulled the plug on the transmission pan, a surprising amount of fluid came out. I just assumed it was because it was pretty warm and thus expanded. I was not clever enough to use a separate drain pan so I don’t know how much came out.

I replaced the pan and put in 3.7 L I then warmed it up to 110°F and again fluid came out when I pulled the plug.

Did I miss anything on the refill? It seems like it should have taken more, but I followed the instructions.

On a positive note, it came out clean and the magnet looked good, so I’m pretty sure it had been changed.
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1984 Vanagon 1.9/4 speed
2001 Eurovan Camper

[bigfoot_ev]

I don't think you have an issue. I just did all the same fluids earlier this week. When I refilled my transmission I put in 4 qt knowing there would be excess drained out when I pull the drain plug. When I pulled the plug at temp it ran out fairly quickly but when it hit the proper height it stopped almost immediately with practically no drips. That's when I put the metal drain plug back in.

I'll ask the regular questions, was your plastic overfill tube in good shape? And did it seat back into place properly, ie able to hand tighten and no cross threading?

If so, I would say you have a good transmission refill. You most likely do not have an underfill. It is entirely possible the previous fill was not done correctly by temperature and so it was overfilled.
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2003 Westfalia Weekender, AXK, 01P

[krusovice]

My guess as well is it was overfilled. (Diff, too.)

I didn’t remove the plastic tube. I just dropped the pan with it in place, and when it got to temp I didn’t lose all that I added (if that tube were not in place I think I’d lose almost all the fluid).
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1984 Vanagon 1.9/4 speed
2001 Eurovan Camper

[SambaBurnsRed]

Didn't see this noted, but are you guys checking fluid with the engine running, after cycling through the gears?

[krusovice]

I filled it, cycled through the gears and warmed it to the correct temp, and then pulled the plug to let extra come out. But I shut it off before pulling the plug.

Does a trans fill have to be checked while running? Not too much came out.
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1984 Vanagon 1.9/4 speed
2001 Eurovan Camper

[HeyCrutch]

the procedure calls for engine running, otherwise oil will drain down into the pan from the transmission and you'll end up under-filling (over-draining).
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-2003 EV MV Wk - Forest - 51k
-2002 EV Camper - Ghost - 82k
-2003 EV GLS - Fluffhead - 176k

-1997 EVC - 12vVR6 (SOLD 5/2025)

[bigfoot_ev]

In case others stumble upon this thread looking for the procedure on how to change your transmission oil.

Here is the most often recommended write-up on the procedure: http://www.rialtainfo.com/vw/transmission.htm#fluid
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2003 Westfalia Weekender, AXK, 01P

[krusovice]

That’s a much clearer explanation of the procedure than I found. I know what I’ll be doing this afternoon.
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1984 Vanagon 1.9/4 speed
2001 Eurovan Camper