The Volkswagen Cabriolet, or "Cabrio," is the convertible model of VW's popular Golf line. As with any car, regular maintenance is vital to prolonging the lifespan of the Cabriolet. Checking the transmission fluid level of a 1996 Cabrio is a bit more daunting than with most other vehicles, in part because the transmission does not feature a fluid level dipstick. Checking the transmission's fluid level requires accessing the side of the transmission.
Apply the parking brake, then turn the engine on. Depress the brake pedal and shift through each of the transmission's gears several times to allow the transmission fluid to circulate.
Turn the engine off and climb underneath the driver's side of the car.
Locate and remove the plastic filler plug from the driver's side of the transmission, just above the transmission's pan. The pan is located on the bottom of the transmission, and is rectangular in shape. A lip surrounds the tip of the filler plug. Insert the blade of a standard screwdriver underneath the lip, then pry the plug out of the transmission.
Start the engine, then observe the filler plug's opening on the side of the transmission. If transmission fluid can be seen slowly dripping out of the filler plug opening, the transmission's fluid level is correct. Insert the plug into the transmission, then gently tap on the top of the plug until it rests evenly against the side of the transmission. If no fluid exits the opening, fluid must be added.
Add transmission fluid through the filler plug's opening. A hand-operated fluid pump is necessary to add fluid. Screw the threaded fitting on the base of the pump onto the container of new transmission fluid. Insert the pump's hose through the plug opening. Pump fluid into the transmission until fluid begins to drip out, then install the plug.
