T4 auto

[vannin]

I have a t4 with a auto that isnt causing any problems yet.. but just spoke to a vw mechanic and he says they are a problem.
Is it just because they are so expensive to fix?
What problems do they have and can they be avoided/minimised?
Ive recently had it serviced and they said its ok.
Thanks for any ideas, Nik

[Seano]

They can be a drama if punished and/or not regularly serviced (fluid change every 60K?). If they do fail then they are apparently an expensive recondition. There's some talk that mucking about with the g/box pressure thingy (increasing it) can help (?). Plenty of info around if you hunt....in the mean time be nice to it and it should last.

[vannin]

Thanks, is this info on here or elsewhere? I had a go at searching but it came up with everything but t4 autos lol.
Like I said its going fine now but this mechanic has made me nervous!
Nik

[Deeceer]

Like Seano said, I think the issue is they won't cop abuse but I suspect it's nothing to be paranoid about if you take care of the box. Believe me, there are plenty of T4 manual drivers getting around with their clutch pedal brackets working up to breaking off one day because of metal fatigue.

[jets]

Thanks, is this info on here or elsewhere? I had a go at searching but it came up with everything but t4 autos lol.Nik

Here's something to read.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3677748

I had an auto & it worked perfectly. Mine had not seen an oil change in 110,000km so I did the whole bit , cleaning pan, magnet & fitting new filter. Because only around just under 4 litres can be drained, a second oil change should be done after a bit to remove the partially contaminated oil. I sold the van soon after & now have the manual trans.
I would treat the trans as a bit fragile, not tow anything or get it too hot & treat it to regular oil changes.

[vannin]

Thanks for the replies.
Im not going to be towing with it but it is being built into a camper so I didnt want to invest alot of $$ if the box is likely to crap out and replacement auto would cost more than the van
Nik

[vannin]

Just read through that link (and the links off that) there is some really good stuff on there.
Talks of increasing the transmission pressure for "crisper" shift (less slipage so the clutches last longer) and intalling a dipstick from a pre 95 auto so its easier to keep an eye on things
Good reading!
Nik