1999 Winnebago Rialta Transmission Fluid Change

This video is an example of doing a partial change of the Transmission Fluid on a 1999 Winnebago Eurovan Rialta. I made the video because sometimes it is easier to visualize the process, if you plan on doing it yourself.
I do not have a external cooler installed. Also I made an attempt to install the dipstick, but I could not get it to line up although others have had success installing the dipstick. Winnebago added a thick power wire to the Solenoid (I believe). This has to be removed on earlier VR6 engines. Make sure you disconnect the engine and cabin batteries first. For some reason I still could not get the dipstick in. Also if you do install the dipstick it is important that the dipstick bracket goes on the stud first and then the harness bracket. This is necessary to have the dipstick seat properly and avoid fluid leaks.
Be very careful not to introduce dirt into the system. In theory any dirt you introduce should get trapped in the filter, but err on the side of cleanliness.
I left out the part about bolting up the transmission pan. The bolts should be torqued to 12 Newton-Meters. For a complete step by step file go to rialtainfo.com/... for more details and to get the correct torque settings.
I appreciate comments. I made the video holding a cell phone camera, so there are times when I could not film, or hold the camera in the right place, so some steps may be left out. Click the link to get a detailed instructions on doing the transmission fluid change.
rialtainfo.com/...

[@TroyD-vo1bz]

Old video, but certainly still relevant today. I like the nice calm pace. Gives anybody contemplating doing this confidence to try it themselves.

[@jimmymundane1084]

Can you top off fluid via the dipstick?

[@TheVedicStudent]

what temps are you getting after the change?

[@jackwilson9839]

Enjoyed your video. I have a 1999 Rialta HD but not mechanically inept so it's nice to see someone who can do the maintenance work theirselves. I'm trying to find out where a slight leak I'm having is nd don't know if it's a transmission or oil leak. I guess the only way to tell is to remove the belly pan? I'm older with back problems so trying to figure out the best way to tell what the problem is easily, any suggestions? I live in Florida.

[@vwbus79]

The best way to find the source of the leak is to drop the belly pan. After I made this video, the transmission pan gasket leaked. It was installed correctly so the cause of the problem was either a defective gasket or the fact that I reused the old spacers. I bought a Meyle gasket with new spacers and it no longer leaks. Also I should have let another few tablespoons of fluid out to more of a fast drip than is shown in the video. The way I found the leak was to feel around the driver side gap at the back of the belly pan to see if it was dry. As far as removing the belly pan you just need to remove the four bolts (two on each side). Then depress the clip and the pan will drop down, which should be good enough for inspection. For complete removal you should remove the two nuts that attached the two arms to the rubber spacers before you depress the clip and drop the pan. You can use a light and look down from under the hood to look for leaks first. If you have an external transmission cooler check the hose connections and around the banjo bolts which you can do from the top. Consult rialtainfo website for more information on that. My guess is you probably have a small leak around the oil cooler or from a sensor. I have a small seep which I am trying to locate. It leaks an ounce or so between oil changes. Another thing to check is the power steering fluid level as well as you brake fluid level. The power steering fluid is green in color if it has the factory spec. The transmission fluid is a honey brown if factor spec. Rialtainfo website had a lot of good info too. Let us know what you find.

[@jackwilson9839]

I don't feel confident enough to remove the belly pan. I'm 70+ and have a bad back. I was able to wiggle myself a little further under the Rialta just now and can feel some wetness ABOVE the transmission pan gasket coming from somewhere? Feels like transmission fluid. It does have that honey brown color where it dripped on a paper I placed towel under the transmission. I do have a cooler installed but couldn't see any wetness on top of the transmission where the banjo bolts are installed or around where the hoses connect to the banjo bolts. I don't know what could be leaking above the transmission gasket? Any ideas? Thanks for your response.

[@vwbus79]

jack wilson If is not leaking from the banjo bolts or hoses then perhaps it is leaking from the transmission oil filler tube or dipstick if it is installed. There is an O-ring used that could be leaking. I found the transmission dipstick does not fit easily in the earlier VR-6 engines for the Rialta. It is possible that it someone installed the dipstick that it is not sealed properly. Unfortunately it is hard to view unless the belly pan is dropped. I replaced my transmission filler tube seal. You can also check to see if the cap is seated on the transmission filler tube. Also make sure the plastic red locking cover is in place over the cap. Another possibility is one of the transmission filler tube prongs broke off so it will not seat tightly. It could also be the transmission pan bolts are not torqued properly or the seal or spacers are bad or mismatched as was the case for me. From under the hood you should be able to reach down to the transmission cooler hoses and banjo bolts to see if they are dry. Otherwise it would most likely be a motor oil leak, possibly around the oil cooler whose O-rings are prone to leaking. Or an O-ring seal of a sensor may be leaking. Let me know what you find.

[@jackwilson9839]

I do have a dipstick kit installed. I tried to run my hand down the filler tube to where it goes into the transmission but very tight trying to get all the way down to that point. Could it leak there with the vehicle just sitting, seems to be higher than what the fluid level would be at? I can't reach down to the banjo bolts either. Definitely could feel some wetness above the top back area ABOVE the transmission pan gasket when I crawled under the Rialta. I guess I'll have to take it to the dealer. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@vwbus79]

jack wilson If there is a leak at the dipstick it would leak when the engine is off. When the engine is running the level drops as the fluid is pumped throughout the transmission. You could also go to Rialtainfo.com. From there join the Rialtatech group. There are many members there that may be able to help you.

[@dustin2244]

I have a 2001 Volkswagen Rialta for sale very clean in great condition Camp Verde Arizona

[@dustin2244]

Asking 16k cash

[@joeintern]

Thanks for the video! Did you buy the dipstick from europarts-sd or find another source? Did you end up getting it installed on the next fluid change? Advice?

[@vwbus79]

I bought the dipstick from Duane . You can get in touch with him by visiting the rialtainfo.com website and joining one of the Rialta groups. He has the best price and keeps a stock of them. I did not end up installing it as it did not fit easily into my 1999 Rialta. I sent it to my Dad who has the same year and model and he had trouble too. I think the later 24 Valve VR6s are a much easier fit. Others have had luck installing it.

[@joeintern]

@@vwbus79 Thanks for the reply. I have a 1999 Eurovan Camper... same engine as you. I wonder if the sd-europarts one is different and fits better? It is pricey though for a trans dipstick tube. What's new for VWs? : )