Tech Tip: Volkswagen's ATF Seeping from Final Drive Breather

Tech Tip: Volkswagen’s ATF Seeping from Final Drive Breather

ATF fluid may seep from the final drive breather vent on any model with a four-speed automatic transmission. To service, Remove the final drive cover, drain the ATF and reinstall the cover (always use a new gasket).

ATF fluid may seep from the final drive breather vent on any model with a four-speed automatic transmission (AG4).

Affected Vehicles:
• Beginning Aug. 26, 1996, transmission final drive units were filled with final drive oil P/N G 052 145 S2.

• From Dec. 21, 1994, to August 25, 1996, automatic transmission final drive units were filled with VW ATF.

On final drive units filled with ATF, ATF may seep out of the final drive breather vent. See Arrow A, Figure 4. Only transmissions within the build date range 21124 to 25086 (day, month and year) are affected.

See Arrow B, Figure 1.

Figure 1

Service Procedure
1. Remove the final drive cover, drain the ATF and reinstall the cover (always use a new gasket).

2. Refill the final drive with P/N G 052 145 S2 final drive oil (see appropriate repair manual).

Note: Do not mix ATF and P/N G 052 145 S2 oil. If the final drive fluid must be replaced, use only P/N G 052 145 S2 011. You may top off final drive fluid with ATF, only if the final drive is filled with ATF and no fluid is coming out of the breather vent.

Courtesy of Mitchell 1.

You May Also Like

Transmissions – CVT

Knowing what the common issues are & understanding the options available to isolate & fix problems are the keys to success.

All transmission models have unique problems that are common to that model; JATCO CVT units are no exception. Technicians are facing an uphill battle when it comes to diagnosing and repairing CVTs if they don’t have the right information on hand. Knowing what the common issues are and understanding the options available to isolate and fix problems are the keys to a successful repair.

Simplifying AWD Systems

No matter the manufacturer, there is almost always an all-wheel drive (AWD) option.

Manual Transmission Service

Parts that wear out must be replaced.

Transmission Fluid Hydraulics

You need to know how transmission fluid flows inside an automatic transmission.

Advanced Wheel Bearing Diagnostics

Can a bump set a wheel speed sensor code?

Other Posts

How Well Do You Know Your Driveshaft?

There are three types of modern driveshafts with multiple configurations.

Transmission Service

The following is an example of a dishonest vehicle and how to go about catching it in its lie.

Limited-Slip Differentials And Diagnostics

A limited-slip differential helps to control the tangential forces.

Seven CV Joint Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make

If a CV joint fails, it rarely fails on its own. Outside factors can damage a joint worse than cutting a boot with a knife.