Automatic, Part 2/3. Transmission jerks - transmission fluid?

Hello,
My Passat, manufactured in 1999 and with an automatic transmission, sometimes jerks slightly when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear when I accelerate gently. I wanted to check and possibly top up the transmission fluid level. Unfortunately, the owner's manual doesn't provide any information about this. The transmission oil should be changed every 30,000 km. Do I need to take it to the workshop because of that?
There are two black caps on the top that spin freely and are not meant to be unscrewed. I believe these are the filling port or the level indicator. Are they simply pulled off (with a bit more force than I applied)?
Perhaps someone here has a tip for me.

Best regards, Gerhard.

The Passat, manufactured in 1999, was supposed to have a filling that would last a lifetime.
Check the large screw located on the underside of the transmission. It's difficult to implement.

Hello babajun,

You might have mixed something up .

First, it should already include a lifetime transmission fluid fill.
(Should be printed on the plastic lid, or at least in the operating manual.)

Secondly, if not, then you need to change the automatic transmission fluid every 90,000 kilometers (according to the specifications for my Golf), and not every 30,000 kilometers (as you stated).

Best regards, Georg.

Hello,

I think the 'lifetime filling' thing is a nice gag.
from VAG!

I have used several VAG parking meters that are advertised as having a 'lifetime supply' of change.
The oil was drained, or the oil pan was removed, between 100,000 km and 140,000 km.
disassembled, cleaned, and the intake filter was replaced.
Every time, a black liquid came out, and the result was also successful.
Every time, it's a noticeable improvement: The transmission shifts much more smoothly!

'Lifelong' in VAG engineering jargon means that the lifespan of something is...
the mileage of the automatic transmission or the car itself should not exceed 200,000 kilometers.

Since I often use my vehicles for very long periods, I do everything...
Change a small amount of oil (approximately 2-3 liters) every 40-45,000 kilometers, and perform a full oil change every 80-90,000 kilometers.
a large oil change (approximately 5-6 liters) with filter.

I buy the oil in 20-liter containers from Esso!

I agree with you on that Jürgen.

If even a friendly mechanic recommends an oil change for vehicles with a 'lifetime' transmission fluid fill (which I've been told by several workshops), then there's something fishy going on. Either VW defines the word 'lifetime' as only 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers, or they themselves don't believe in their own technology or components. Most of the time, however, both are true...

Before the oil change was necessary in my car (at 90,000 km), I had already noticed the harder and earlier shifting for about 20,000 km. Towards the end, there were even occasional, abrupt upshifts from 2nd to 3rd gear. That's why I had the oil, seals, and filter replaced at around 86,000 kilometers.

All the negative issues were resolved. However, then oil foam started coming out of the vent, especially after driving at high speed on the highway. After a while (approximately 15 kilometers), it normalized as the excess oil drained out. I guess that the 'VW dummies' simply had too much oil filled in.
Next time, I will definitely change the oil sooner than at 180,000 km, and I will do it myself .

Best regards, Georg.

Hello,

Yes, I've already read countless pages about it on the Passat forum! I think I'll try it out myself. What would you pay at Esso for 20 liters of fuel?

I highly recommend getting an automatic transmission fluid change. I had the 'lifetime fill' changed at 83,000 km. Since then, the transmission has been shifting much more smoothly overall.