Things You'll Need
Jack
Jack stands
Drip pan
1/2-inch drive ratchet
1/2-inch drive socket set
Volkswagen transmission fluid
Funnel
Long plastic hose
Torque wrench
The 1996 VW Jetta GL model cars came with either an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. Both types of transmissions are sealed and do not have a dipstick. The transmission fluid for the 1996 Jetta must be checked, drained and replaced from the two plugs on the transmission fluid drain pan. Only genuine Volkswagen transmission fluid can be used inside the Jetta transmissions. The transmission fluid must be checked while the engine is running and the fluid is hot.
Step 1
Drive the 1996 VW Jetta GL around for about 10 to 15 minutes to heat the transmission up.
Step 2
Park the Jetta on a flat surface and turn the engine off. Jack up the front and back of the Jetta and place jack stands under the proper front and rear jacking points. This is to ensure that the car is level while checking the transmission fluid.
Step 3
Carefully sit in the driver seat and crank the engine up. Let the engine run for about 2 to 3 minutes. Move the gear shift through each of the gears a couple of times, then put the gear shift back into "Park."
Step 4
Get out of the car and slide under the middle passenger's side of the Jetta along with a drip pan. Locate the "Transmission Fluid Check" plug on the bottom of the transmission pan. The plug will be inside a recessed hole on the bottom of the pan. Place the drip pan under the check plug hole.
Step 5
Slowly loosen and remove the check plug with a ratchet and a socket. Once the plug is loose, finish unscrewing the plug with your fingers. Once the plug is completely out of the check hole, a small amount of fluid should trickle out of the hole. If so, the transmission is full of fluid. If not, the fluid in the transmission is low. If no fluid trickles out of the fill hole, locate the fill plug on the front side of the transmission pan. The fill plug is the only other plug on the front of the transmission pan.
Step 6
Loosen and remove the fill plug. Once the plug is loose, finish unscrewing the plug with your fingers and place the plug on the ground. Slide the end of a small hose into the fill plug hole. Slide out from under the car and insert the end of a funnel into the other end of the small hose.
Step 7
Begin pouring the transmission fluid into funnel. Keep a check on the transmission fluid check hole while adding the transmission fluid. Once the transmission fluid begins to trickle out of the check hole, stop pouring the transmission fluid into the transmission and remove the hose and funnel from the fill hole.
Step 8
Screw the fill plug and the check plug back into the transmission pan. Tighten the plugs down snug with the ratchet and socket. Torque both plugs down to between 30 to 35 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and a socket. Pull the drip pan out from under the car and turn the engine off.
Step 9
Jack the Jetta back up and remove the jack stands from under the front and rear of the car. Lower the Jetta back to the ground and remove the jack.
Tip
The automatic transmission fluid type for the 1996 Jetta is Esso LT 71141 automatic transmission fluid. The manual transmission fluid for the 1996 Jetta is G50 or G052 162 A2 manual transmission oil. Both types of fluid can be found at most all auto parts stores or at a Volkswagen parts dealership.
The automatic transmission fluid or the manual transmission fluid can be added with the funnel and the long plastic hose. The hose should be at least 6 to 8 feet to give enough room to work from the side of the car.
Warning
Use extreme caution when working under a vehicle that is placed on jack stands. Ensure that the transmission fluid is hot and the engine is running when checking the fluid. If not, the fluid level results will be wrong.