Volkswagen Transporter Instruction Manual page 70

Trailer towing
When towing a trailer in flat country, it is only
necessary to note what has already been
said about driving a vehicle with automatic
gearbox. The general instructions under
"Trailer towing" also apply in this case.
In the interests of safety, however, and taki ng
into accountthe additional load placed on the
automatic gearbox and the brakes when
driving in hilly districts, the following points
should be given special attention:
• On steep hills and in traffic situations
where it is obvious that only low speeds
are possible, it is better to select driving
range "2". In range "2" the driver can
control the vehicle and trailer better.
• For long downhill stretches it is essential
to select range "1" in order to get max ­
imum benefit from engine braking and re­
lieve strain on the brakes. If the gradient
is only slight, sufficient braking effort may
possibly be obtained in range "2".
Maintenance and lubrication
Lubricants
The torque converter and the automatic
gearbox are both lubricated by a common
supply of ATF.
The final drive housing is filled with hypoid
gearbox oil.
See "Care and maintenance" section, para.
"Lubricants" for specifications.
Checking ATF level
The correct ATF level is essential to the ser­
. vice life and operation of the gearbox. The
level should therefore be checked atfrequent
intervals, for instance, when the engine oil
has been checked.
In the engine compartment is a dipstick
which is attached to the filler tube cap.
Note the following points when checking:
• The ATF must be lukewarm. Do not
check level when oil is hot or cold.
• The vehicle must be on a level surface.
• The selector lever must be at "N" and the
handbrake applied.
• During the check the engine must be run ­
ning at idling speed.
Automatic Gearbox
• Use only clean lint-free rag to wipe the
dipstick.
• The level must be between the two marks
on the dipstick.
If level is too high or too low do not just add or
drain oil. Consult a VAG Dealer as soon as
possible so that the cause of the deviating
level can be ascertained.
Changing the ATF
The ATF is changed regularly at long inter­
vals as detailed in the Service Schedule. This
requires specialist knowledge and should
preferably be done by a VAG Dealer .
Please note that in arduous operating condi­
tions (trailer towing, stop/go and city traffic,
continuous mountain driving, high ambient
temperatures) the ATF is changed more fre­
quently.
Details of these intervals are also given in the
Service Schedule.
When there Is no ATF in the converter and
gearbox, the engine must not be started
or the vehicle towed.
The oil in the final drive does not need
changing.
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