Volkswagen Tech Tip: ATF Seeping from Final Drive Breather

Volkswagen Tech Tip: ATF Seeping from Final Drive Breather

ATF fluid may seep from the final drive breather vent on any Volkswagen model with a four-speed automatic transmission (AG4). To correct this problem, remove the final drive cover, drain the ATF and reinstall the cover. Refill the final drive with ....

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, Fig. 1. Only transmissions within the build date range 21124 to 25086 (day, month and year) are affected. See Arrow B, Fig. 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.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of Mitchell 1.

For additional information, visit www.mitchell1.com.

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