The transmission fluid checking process on the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle is different than most Volkswagen Beetle models. The transmission fluid lubricates and protects the moving gears and parts from heat friction. The transmission fluid also keeps the seals and o-rings soft and lubricated. Volkswagen recommends changing the transmission fluid between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. Once the transmission fluid breaks down, the fluid cannot protect the moving parts as it should.
Park the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle on level ground and set the parking brake.
Jack the front of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle up and place a jack stand under the frame rail on each side of the Beetle. Make sure that the jack stands are directly behind both front tires. Lower the Beetle onto the jack stands. Pull the jack out from under the Beetle.
Jack up the rear of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle and place a jack stand under the frame rail on both sides of the Beetle. Make sure that the rear jack stands are in front of both of the rear tires. Now the Beetle should be off of the ground and completely level on the jack stands.
Climb under the driver side of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle and locate the fill plug on the upper left-hand corner of the transmission near the oil pan. Remove the fill plug with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a socket.
Crank the engine and let it run for about one minute to warm up the transmission fluid.
Locate and remove the transmission fluid drain plug on the very bottom of the transmission pan with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a socket. The drain plug is attached to a stand pipe inside of the transmission. Slide the fluid catch pan under the drain hole on the bottom of the transmission.
Attach the long plastic hose to the handheld fluid pump. Add the transmission fluid to the transmission fill hole until the fluid starts to drip out of the drain hole. Once the transmission fluid consistently drips out of the transmission drain hole, the transmission will be full of fluid.
Replace the drain plug and tighten with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and socket. Remove the plastic hose from the fill hole and screw the fill plug back in. Tighten it down with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and socket. Slide the fluid catch pan out from under the Beetle.
Turn the engine off. Jack up the rear of the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle and remove the jack stands. Lower the jack.
Jack up the front of the Beetle and remove the jack stands. Lower the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle to the ground.
