[WolfsburgGirl]

When i bought my 1999 Wolfsburg Jetta (MKIII) i asked the dealer to do a typical tune up and change all my fluids; specifically the tranny fluid (obviously i have an automatic) but of course they did nothing but a simple oil change. I'm starting to get concerned about my transmission now that its at 150k and down shifts hard. It was also in a front end accident before i had it. im not sure on the severity of the past accident i only know because the hood and headlights have bigger spaces then it should and my grill is cracked, nothing else seems to be effected.
im not sure what maintenance I should do to it myself. On other cars in the past i have had tranny flushes or used tranny fluid cleaners, which helped for a period of time. But as far as VW's go i dont know what is safe to do. can you give me some maintenance ideas, specifically transmission tricks, that i should be doing to keep my jetta in top shape.

 

[WolfsburgGirl]

Iv had alot of views, but not 1 suggestion. Is my question really that dumb?

 

[jcjetta]

Flush it, at least you'll know

 

[Trenth]

Wouldn't suggest doing anything to your tranny yourself since you don't have any experience with VW. I'd just have to say to take it to a good mechanic(I'd suggest finding a mechanic who specializes in VW, makes a difference). Experience with mine, the smallest and typical maintenance has kept mine going and happy.

 

[xmustanguyx]

FYI, on my 1999 Lexus GS400 I would do incremental tranny flushes. Basically, when I first bought the car I immediately changed the fluid entirely. After that I just kept changing out about 3 quarts every 3 or 4 months. This equaled the normal yearly flushes one would get at a shop assuming you change your fluid yearly. Most people I know are not mechanics and just change the oil and put gas in their rides. I never had a problem with any of my vehicles doing it this way. Even some guys on Clublexus.com recommend it. I guess it has to do with the detergents in the fluid that if replaced all at once actually "shock" some of the parts in your tranny and end up doing more damage than good in the long run. Just like guys who have old motors never run motor flushes because it will usually cause more oil to blow by the rings.
Familiarize yourself with you car, find someone qualified to teach you and learn. When I ripped apart my dash to change the L.E.D.s in my lexus my friends thought I was crazy! I said, "hey, how am I gonna learn???!"

 

[PA-VDUB]

I would atleast do a filter change.

 

[jmcnorvell]

Hi, no it's not a dumb question at all. There's quite a bit of conflicting info out there. The auto transmission on these VWs are 01m types and are considered a sealed unit. Most VW dealers will tell you not to change the fluid. Interestingly they will sell you the fluid and a filter if you want. The reason they started sealing the transmissions is so that they didn't have to service them under maintenance agreements. The transmissions usually last a minimum of 60k miles without any maintenance and this is enough to get past the original factory warranty period. Unfortunately most of the 01m units are worn out by this time and the cost of repair is then placed on the owner. If you are up to 150k then you are one of the lucky ones! if the fluid hasn't been changed ever then it will be a very big gamble as to whether the new fluid will renew or destroy the old seals inside the transmission. Be aware the fluid is very expensive - $35+ a quart last time i bought some. My Audi fluid was $75 a quart BTW! I just had the fluid and filter changed on my Audi S4 at 120k miles and it resolved the burning clutch smell I was getting in traffic. Shifting is much the same as before and that's a good thing. My local VW dealer killed my 2001 Golf transmission by putting the wrong fluid in at 60k miles! Then wanted $5k to replace it!! I don't go there anymore. The correct OEM fluid should be almost clear not red BTW. To me a fluid change should be a regular service item on any transmisison but for their own reasons VW & Audi will tell you otherwise. BTW if you have a VR6 I happen to have a brand new OEM rebuilt transmission available if the worst should happen after the fluid change. Transmission end code is CLB I believe. There's quite a bit of info out there from other owners and independent techs on the 01m transmission. Just Google 01m transmission. So the short answer is beware it may make things worse or may prolong the usable life... - good luck.

 

[albert0h]

Agree with ^^^ I changed my transmission fluid and things got worse !!!.....oil leaked and transmission started to make noise. I am currently replacing the Trans

 

[jcjetta]

jm is correct, it could get worse.
My opinion is that a $150 professional flush would at least give you peace of mind.
If it improves, great. If it stays the same or gets worse, it's trans time.
I guess my point is spending $150 and knowing is better than a new trans and not being sure.