NEHA

Hey VW people,
What transmission fluid goes in the 2002 VW Passat auto with 1.8T?
The trans lines are leaking. Dealer replaced lines and still leaking. Dealer now says it's the radiator needs to be replaced. Anyone ever have problem with trans lines leaking where they attach to the radiator?
Any info/advise helpful.
Thanks, Brian

Don't like to see anyone left hanging, but I can't help. Don't do VWs, don't understand automatics.

Good luck though.

Im not exactly sure how a VW passat is put together but all the automatics ive worked on are put together as follows.

As you probably know most automatics run the ATF through a heat exchanger in the bottom of the radiatior to heat/cool it. If the fittings mounted to the radiator are cracked then your kinda up a creek and you'll need a new radiator. I would just make sure that is actually the problem, make sure to check that the fittings are plenty tight, good and clean, and that the lines are well aligned before the nuts are installed. I hope this hasnt been confusing and has been slightly helpful.

Well, race car is out in the cold tightly covered waiting for a blanket of snow
VW in the garage.
anyone know if I need to top off with factory trans fluid (@ $20/QT) or if the import AT fluid (Autozone computer suggested Castrol brand) is ok to top off with?
I found conflicting info on Internet.
Thanks

I can't help here as I do know know automatics.

Try the Transmission section withi. The Technical section if the vwvortex forums

Don't like to see anyone left hanging, but I can't help. Don't do VWs, don't understand automatics.

I would not use anything but VW or Pentosin (mostly where VW sources their own branded fluids) in the tranny. I got steered this way by a guru on all things VW - Dick Shine - some years back and the advice hasnt caused me any grief. He was also OK with Amsoil GL4 for manuals and diffs but that was it.

if you dont want to buy a new radiator $$$$, just buy an aftermarket transmission oïl cooler, better and less pricey, i,ll do that several time for my customers at my shop.