2003 Passat 1.9TDI auto gearbox problems.

[Nick S]

Hi,

I have a 2003 1.9TDI Passat with the 5-speed tiptronic auto gearbox. The car has covered 180,000 miles.
When cold the auto gearbox and the tiptronic are failing to change gear. The problem corrects itself after about 20 minutes of driving. There are no unusual noises coming from the gearbox.
The gearbox oil has never been changed because VW state that the gearbox is sealed for life and the oil should not be replaced.
I can have the fault diagnoses by VW but I cannot think what could be causing the problem and so am reluctant to pay for the diagnosis if all they say is that the box needs replacing.
Can anyone help with what the likely problem is or any tests that I can perform to narrow down the likely cause?
Thanks for any help.
Nick.

[turboextreme]

you need to change the ATF fluid as it should be changed at 8 yr or between 60/80 k miles the vw official technical guide doesn't list this.
Here is a web site with a guide to help you do it yourself.
ATF fluid flush - tiptronic B5 VW Passat and Audi | VW TDI forum, Audi, Porsche, and Chevy Cruze diesel forum

[Nick S]

Can anybody tell me where I can buy a VAG diagnostics cable that will work with VCDS lite and is compatible with my Passat and supports Windows 10? I have looked on ebay but cannot find anything B% and Windows 10 compatible.


If I can find the above cable and install VCDS lite will the software give me a readout of transmission fluid temperature?

[niall campbell]

Change the oil first

[Nick S]

I intend to change the fluid but to do that ideally I will need to know the atf temperature when refilling and that is why I wanted to know whether the VCDS lite will give me the atf temperature.

[Nick S]

Can anybody tell me where I can buy a VAG diagnostics cable that will work with VCDS lite and is compatible with my Passat and supports Windows 10? I have looked on ebay but cannot find anything B% and Windows 10 compatible.


If I can find the above cable and install VCDS lite will the software give me a readout of transmission fluid temperature?

[Noony]

Hi Nick,
I took mine to Midland Automatic Transmissions on Telford Way Industrial Estate. They changed the fluid and filters and all this for £200 sniffs. Save a lot of hassle and you know it's done with a warranty.

Cheers Noony

[Nick S]

I live in France and don't have access to auto gearbox specialists.
The VW dealership will not change the gearbox fluid for me.

[niall campbell]

can you email VW in France or indeed Germany to say you have gearbox problems and want to change oil to sort them out ??

[Nick S]

I intend to change the ATF myself.
All I wish to know is whether VCDS lite will the software give me a readout of transmission fluid temperature?