The 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle (like all other New Beetles) does not have a transmission fluid dipstick in the engine compartment for checking the fluid level. Volkswagen intentionally did not include such a dipstick for the transmission, because it employs a special transmission fluid that is used only on its cars. Therefore, VW did not want drivers to check and add the fluid themselves. You can only get the specified transmission fluid at the Volkswagen dealers and will need to go underside the car to check the transmission fluid level.
Start the engine and let it idle. Wait for the engine to warm up until it reads between 95 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit on the temperature gauge.
Step on the brake pedal and release the hand brake. Move the shifter from "P" to "1" and bring it back to "P," making sure the transmission fluid has gone through all the gears.
Set the hand brake and release the foot brake. Turn off the engine when the gauge readings reaches the said temperatures.
Raise the car with the floor jack and support it evenly on jack stands at both ends. The car must be leveled for accurate transmission fluid level reading. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
Locate the transaxle. You will find a "fluid level check" plug at the front of the transaxle. Unscrew to remove the plug with a 17 mm Allen wrench. The fluid will flow out naturally upon the removal of the plug if it is at the adequate level.
Look for the "fill level" plug at one side of the transmission assembly case if the fluid does not flow out. Remove the plug using a large screwdriver while leaving the "fluid level check" plug unplugged.
Fill a syringe with SAE 75W90 transmission oil and inject it, small amount at a time, through the "fill level" plug hole. Fill until the fluid is dripping out the plug hole.
Replug the "fill level" hole first and then the "fluid level check" hole using the specific tools as before.
Lower the car to the ground and start the engine. Look at the ground under the transmission case to check for leaks.
