Checking the fluid levels is an important step in making sure your VW Jetta runs efficiently and that vital mechanical parts perform at their best. If you ever tried to check the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) yourself, you discovered that it's difficult to do because the Jetta does not have a transmission fluid dipstick. The Jetta has what's known as a sealed system, and it causes many to bring their Jettas to the dealer for expensive tune-ups. Check the transmission fluid yourself and save your hard-earned money.
Drive the Jetta for about five minutes to warm up the transmission fluid. Park the car in your work space and leave the engine running.
Place the hydraulic jack under the car frame by the wheel. Raise the Jetta up high enough to place a jack stand under the frame. Do the same at each wheel so that the car is level and safely resting on all four jack stands. Check to make sure that the Jetta is supported securely.
Crawl under the Jetta and locate the transmission. Look for the service plug on the lower passenger's side of the transmission. Place an oil pan under the service plug and loosen the plug with a wrench.
Watch to see if a small amount of ATF comes out of the service plug hole. If it does, the ATF level is fine. If no fluid comes out, you will need to add some fluid.
Find the filler plug on the front of the transmission. Remove the filler plug with a wrench and place the end of the plastic tubing into the filler hole. Insert the funnel into the other end of the plastic tubing so that you can pour the fluid into the funnel. Slowly add ATF until it begins to seep out of the service plug. When it does, tighten the service plug and the filler plug with a wrench.
Place the jack on the car frame near each jack stand to remove the jacks one at a time. Lower the car from the jack stands and shut off the engine.
