^

fluid level is above the upper mark.

4
After topping-up. take the vehicle on a short run to distribute the fresh fluid, then recheck the level
again, topping-up if necessary.
5
Always maintain the level between the two dipstick marks. If the level is allowed to fall below the lower
mark, fluid starvation may result, which could lead to severe transmission damage. If the level is too high, the
excess fluid may be ejected. In either case, an incorrect level will adversely affect the operation of the
transmission.
6 Frequent need for topping-up indicates that there is a leak, which should be found and corrected before it
becomes serious.

01M transmission
Note: An accurate fluid level check can only be made with the transmission fluid at a temperature of between 35C and 45C;
if it is not possible to ascertain this temperature, it is strongly recommended that the check be made by a VW dealer who will
have the instrumentation to check the temperature and to check the transmission electronics for fault codes. Overfilling or
underfilling adversely affects the function of the transmission.
7 Take the vehicle on a short journey to warm the transmission slightly (see Note above), then park the vehicle
on level ground and engage P with the selector lever. Raise the front and rear of the vehicle and support it on
axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support), ensuring the vehicle is kept level. Undo the retaining screws and
remove the engine undershield(s) to gain access to the base of the transmission unit.
8
Start the engine and run it at idle speed until the transmission fluid temperature reaches 35C.
9 Unscrew the fluid level plug from the
bottom of the transmission sump (see illustration).
10 If fluid continually drips from the level tube as the fluid temperature increases, the fluid level is correct and
does not need to be topped-up. Note that there will be some fluid already present in the level tube, and it will be
necessary to observe when this amount has drained before making the level check. Make sure that the check is
made before the fluid temperature reaches 45C. Check the condition of the seal on the level plug and renew it if
necessary by cutting off the old seal and fitting a new one. Refit the plug and tighten to the specified torque.
11
If no fluid drips from the level tube, even when the fluid temperature has reached 45C, it will be
necessary to add fluid as follows while the engine is still running.
12 Using a screwdriver, lever off the cap from the filler tube on the side of the transmission sump. Note: On some
models the locking device will be permanently damaged and a new cap must be obtained. On other models, the cap securing
clip must be renewed.
13 With the cap removed, pull out the filler tube plug then add the specified fluid until it drips out of the level
tube. Check the condition of the seal on the level plug and renew it if necessary by cutting off the old seal and
fitting a new one. Refit the plug and tighten to the specified torque.
14
Refit the filler tube plug and the new cap or cap securing clip.
15
Switch off the ignition then refit the engine undershield(s), tighten the retaining screws securely, and
lower the vehicle to the ground.
16
Frequent need for topping-up indicates that there is a leak, which should be found and corrected before
it becomes serious.

Hose and fluid leak check