Auto T4

[vannin]

I have an auto in my t4 and I cant find a dipstick to check the oil?
Is there on or do I just drop the sump and refill?
Nik

[vwguru]

not that easy mate, there is no dip stick, you need vag com to check the oil level

[jets]

VW in their wisdom decided to do away with the dipstick around 1996. We can only speculate that some trans may have been ruined by owners allowing dirt to enter & VW only wanted to have their dealerships check the level.
To say that you need vag com is not entirely true even though that is what VW says. The temp of the trans oil when checking the level is supposed to be between 35C & 45C. I did mine by estimating the temp by placing my hand on the sump after running the engine for a short time. The temp should be around blood temp, so compare with your forehead.
There was a very good writeup on changeing & setting the level but it has disappeared some time ago.
Very simply the level is checked with the engine running, van level, correct temp. & oil is added until it spills out of the level tube. Some will come out after the plug is removed that has splashed into the tube during normal driving. If it then stops draining the level is not overfull but without adding some fresh oil you won't know if the level is too low.
Only use genuine VW oil.
Here's a link to change procedure that is not complete but will help with your understanding.

http://homepage.mac.com/msiminoff/PhotoAlbum53.html

[vannin]

Thanks for that info!
By the time I buy ramps to get under there I may as well pay some one to do it, although I hate the thought of paying Im probly more scared of autos..
Nik

[vwguru]

VW in their wisdom decided to do away with the dipstick around 1996. We can only speculate that some trans may have been ruined by owners allowing dirt to enter & VW only wanted to have their dealerships check the level.
To say that you need vag com is not entirely true even though that is what VW says. The temp of the trans oil when checking the level is supposed to be between 35C & 45C. I did mine by estimating the temp by placing my hand on the sump after running the engine for a short time. The temp should be around blood temp, so compare with your forehead.
There was a very good writeup on changeing & setting the level but it has disappeared some time ago.
Very simply the level is checked with the engine running, van level, correct temp. & oil is added until it spills out of the level tube. Some will come out after the plug is removed that has splashed into the tube during normal driving. If it then stops draining the level is not overfull but without adding some fresh oil you won't know if the level is too low.
Only use genuine VW oil.
Here's a link to change procedure that is not complete but will help with your understanding.
http://homepage.mac.com/msiminoff/PhotoAlbum53.html

you can do things by gessing but i prefer to do thing right.................

[jets]

you can do things by gessing but i prefer to do thing right.................

What I have read on sites in USA is that most of the service centres don't use vag com to check the temp. One guy said his van had been over full by nearly a litre from new & it had worked perfectly. The first time I changed mine I measured the amount I drained & found mine also had been over filled as well & the last major service had been done by a VW dealership. They didn't even bother to replace the security cap on the filler plug. Mine also worked perfectly with approximately .5 litre too much oil. As I said earlier, I think the use of the word VAG COM is to scare off the DIYer.

[Jmac]

Ok the test reqs VAG com ( which is now VCDS) and you only use this to gauge the temp in the trans. Have a look at the specs, the trans oil has to be 35-40 degrees , no rocket science and if you use savvy no computer needed. I use VCDS every time but you do not need it.
Jmac
Jmac

[vwguru]

when your auto dies dont put it on this forum........................

[Jmac]

when your auto dies dont put it on this forum........................

I use the Software to do the job ( been with VW since 1988!!!!!) I have also done the job minus the software with the use of some common sense which there is a lack of.
Jmac

[vannin]

At the risk of sounding like a twit what are you guys talking about?
My other ride is a sierra and I can pull each part apart and repair so I do have some mechanical experience but Im not up to date with all this computer controlled stuff.
Although I definately wont atempt it now can you enlighten me on what you are refering to or point me in the dirrection I can read up on it.
Thanks heaps for your help and input guys.
Nik

[jets]

At the risk of sounding like a twit what are you guys talking about?

I am not sure what you mean, but if it is why VAG com is needed to check the oil level then the exact temp of the oil is measured at which point the oil level is correct if is at the top of the spill tube. Come back if this is not what you are asking.

[vannin]

So that just measures the tranny fluid? Maybe the way you guys talk about it
Im new to VWs and autos so it probly sounds alot more complex than it is lol.
But thanks for the explanation.
Nik

[jets]

If you are interested in reading further here's a thread by rebuild on an oil change for a T5.[very similar to the T4] Go to the link on brickyard.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=12764&page=2

If you intend keeping your T4 it's worth DIY. Not that hard & you can do it on a regular basis & save lots of $$$$. Remember draining once only changes part of the oil. It should at least be changed a second time soon after if the oil was particularly dirty & like a lot of trans. never been changed before.

[vannin]

Thanks for that
I always diy but you guys were starting to scare me off!
I,ll give it a good read then give it a go.
Btw where are all the build threads on t4s?
Nik

[jets]

Btw where are all the build threads on t4s?

There aren't many on this forum, I did a writeup on CV joint replacement some time ago.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=13841

Golf Loon did an engine swap in his T4, good writeup with pics. Check out his old posts.