[shouck]

So I did my transmission filter & fluid change, and not knowing any better, I screwed myself & put in Redline fluid. Ever since, It's slipped, mostly when it's cold, and gets mostly better once it warms up. Then one day I found a post with someone saying that Redling is notorious for causing slipping. So I want to swap it out.

I think I've read dozens of people saying to stick with stock, but I have different options of stock(ish) fluids...

Genuine VW
Pentosin
ZF (wouldn't fluid made by the mfg of the trans be good?)

Would any of the 3 be good? I just want the slipping to go away & not have to worry about it again.

 

[Passat2.8]

I used genuine VW and had a great experience; but all three should work for you.


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[ylwagon]

Another popular option is Maxlife ATF. I've used Valvoline Maxlife synthetic ATF in several B5-B6 cars with absolutely no complaints, for a total of multi-hundreds of thousands of miles between them. I don't know about Redline ATF, but I'm suspicious whether that's what is causing your slipping. A trans that slips when cold, then gets better when warmed up, is consistent with low fluid level. By the way, slipping means heating of the clutches, and if they glaze or wear out, the trans will need a rebuild instead of new fluid.

 

[shouck]

I managed to find the post on the vortex again, and here's the comment:

Redline has been noted to cause transmission slipping; typically it works fine for a while then starts to act up. In many cases, a return to the OEM fluid fixes the problem

Also, after I put in the redline, I had my trusted European automotive shop top it off, and he said it was a quart low, so it should be full. (No leaks)

I guess I'll have to take it back & have them check it again.

 

[Tomvw]

Are you aware that the car must be level, ATF at correct temp, and engine running while checking the ATF level.

ATF & Filter change. taligentx.com: Passat - ATF & Filter Replacement

 

[shouck]

Yes, when I changed the filter & fluid I did my best & used about 7 quarts, but there was some spillage, but that's why I took it to my European automotive mechanic, just to be safe, and I'm assuming they topped it off properly.

 

[ylwagon]

That sounds like the usual amount for a full change, but the part about the mechanic saying it was a "quart low" sounds fishy. By the way, I had a trans changed by a specialist shop my friend recommended, the mechanic being a "Porsche expert". I assumed that I was only politely reminding him with the explanation about ATF temperature, car leveled, engine running, etc. When my wife went to pick it up, it would barely move in reverse, and made gurgling noises. Turns out he didn't listen to one thing I said, and filled without the engine running. There's more to the story, including later finding a tool left wedged on top of the transmission, which broke the trans mounts, but when I complained to my friend, he said "well, that guy does smoke a lot of herb".

 

[jjpark]

That sounds like the usual amount for a full change, but the part about the mechanic saying it was a "quart low" sounds fishy. By the way, I had a trans changed by a specialist shop my friend recommended, the mechanic being a "Porsche expert". I assumed that I was only politely reminding him with the explanation about ATF temperature, car leveled, engine running, etc. When my wife went to pick it up, it would barely move in reverse, and made gurgling noises. Turns out he didn't listen to one thing I said, and filled without the engine running. There's more to the story, including later finding a tool left wedged on top of the transmission, which broke the trans mounts, but when I complained to my friend, he said "well, that guy does smoke a lot of herb".

:icon_eek:

 

[wraith]

I was under the impression Maxlife was no longer approved?

 

[ylwagon]

Don't know if it is or isn't "approved" but it works just fine.

 

[TurboJim]

So I did my transmission filter & fluid change, and not knowing any better, I screwed myself & put in Redline fluid. Ever since, It's slipped, mostly when it's cold, and gets mostly better once it warms up.

Which Redline did you use? When I switched over to D4 I thought it offered a big improvement in shifting. This was many years ago. So far no complaints.

 

[4zfed]

Castrol Transmax for Imports works well

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[shouck]

I did the ECS kit that includes the Redline D4 ATF & the Meistersatz filter. If I remember correctly I even ordered an extra bottle to be safe.

 

[KE5BM]

For what it's worth, I reached out to Valvoline and specifically asked about the VW spec since it had mysteriously disappeared from the label. They assured me that MaxLife Synthetic ATF does meet the VW spec.