Golf Mk4 Auto box query | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Fri 13 May 2005 23:52

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - John D

We have a 1.6 auto Golf which I suspect may have a problem developing with 3rd gear. Under normal acceleration through the gears, 3rd behaves a bit like a manual-box with a slipping clutch. As I accelerate in 3rd, the revs rise smoothly with increasing road speed, but then the revs drop by 200 to 300rpm, before rising smoothly again. There is then a large drop in revs as it changes into 4th. The car has done 57,000 miles. Would anyone know whether this is anything to worry about? I've only recently noticed this behaviour and it doesn't seem to do it all the time.

The gearbox oil has never been changed and the VW dealer told me it doesn't need changing as they're filled for life. This doesn't sit easily with me because I believe in frequent oil changes. There is no gearbox dipstick so I can't see whether the oil is a healthy colour, and the Haynes manual which shows a gearbox filler tube doesn't correlate with the car. I've searched in vain for level plugs, filler tubes and such like. Any advice will be much appreciated.

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Sat 14 May 2005 12:38

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - MW

I agree 57K on one lot of oil regardless how good it is is crazy. I would suggest going to a good auto specialist and asking them to power flush out the old oil and get some new decent stuff in it. At £50+ it has to be your first point of call, on the grounds of logic and cost alone. After that a good auto works would probably suggest if its terminal and a new box is needed.
Sealed for life oil is a plague infecting newer cars. Draining oil out, and replacing is an easy 30 minute job, every 18 months. Whats wrong with that?

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Sun 15 May 2005 10:44

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - islandman

I would endorse MW's comments and get it done sooner rather than later to avoid the possibility of more serious longer term damage.
I question these 'sealed for life autoboxes' Surely all oil/fluid will degrade over time. Boxes without dipsticks are quite common - Mine doesn't have one either. Not sure if its the same on the Golf autobox but if you get under the car you may find a plug on the side of the sump pan - a few cm,s up. With the engine running(important or the fluid will run out)and after you have moved the selector back & forth a couple of times, if you remove the plug the fluid should be at this level.
Not realey worth doing this though if going to specilaist for fluid change. Good luck

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Tue 17 May 2005 11:06

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - John D

Many thanks. I'm intending doing the fluid change myself, providing I can get the necessary information. I had literally every bolt out of my old Polo over the years and since built an aeroplane, so it's a question of knowledge rather than technical competence. I've located the autobox filler tube (hidden beneath the starter motor) and the level tube appears to be internal with what looks like a drain plug removed. Since the fluid level will be higher with the engine not running, I realise I should run the engine & move the selector back & forth before removing this plug.

Now for the bit I'm unsure about....
If necessary I can drain the box by lowering the sump pan. I'm told also there is a filter in there which should be cleaned/renewed. With the sump refitted, what is the correct refilling procedure? Should I: 1)Add fresh fluid until it runs out of the level tube, then start the engine, then continue topping up to the correct level (Ensuring fluid temperature remains within limits of 35 to 45 centigrade)? or 2)Measure volume of fluid drained, and add this quantity of fresh fluid before running the engine?

All advice gratefully received - John

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Tue 17 May 2005 13:03

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - Aprilia

Get transmission hot (20 mile run). Drain old fluid and measure volume removed. Refill with equal volume of fresh fluid. Run engine and shift selector through all positions.

Drain fluid once again. Remove oil pan. Replace filter and oil pan gasket (clean magnet inside oil pan - if there is one). refill once again. This will replace about 75% of the fluid.

Get the engine/trans hot on the driveway and check 'hot level' ( it should be a bit under 'max'). Take car for 20 mile run and top-off to 'max' mark.

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Tue 17 May 2005 21:57

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - keo-the-dog

remember when you do it cleanliness is next to god when dealing with auto boxes they dont like anything in there that shouldn't be. right down to a little blob of grease to hold the sump gasket , dont do it ensure everything is spotless. this advice was given to me by an autobox specialist and might be nonsense but it does no harm as it might be true...cheers...keo.

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Wed 18 May 2005 23:41

Golf Mk4 Auto box query - John D

Many thanks to you guys for that info - it's just what I needed. Time to get my overalls on - I'll report back! John.

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