Transmission Oil Change For MK5 Rabbit 2.5 and Jetta 2.5

[@FaustoTheBoozehound]

Still responds to every comment on a 6-year old video of a car he no longer owns - legend 🙌🏼

[@PacificRacer]

Im just here to help 😉

[@granderondeproductions3286]

YAY I did it. it was a pain in the ass to siphon it just right though so it took me like 4 hours. now my Jetta shifts like butter on bread, or an egg on a skillet!

[@PacificRacer]

Congrats! Now go row through some gears

[@CheechElMexicano]

Thanks man I appreciate the helpful video, I was defensive about changing the oil myself. You make it simple and easy to follow thank you.

[@PacificRacer]

Im glad i could help you out!

[@Jeremya74]

​@@PacificRacerWHAT YEAR ARE YOU DOING FOR GOD SAKES!!!?!?

[@kmax7163]

Here's what I did. I have a 2009 2.5 Rabbit. Online, I purchased a kit that includes 6 liters fluid, a filter, a gasket with the steel rings, a crush washer, a tube 6 feet in length, and a tap to screw in the drain plug hole (for putting in the new fluid). I drained out all fluid by removing the plug and the plastic insert . Both use a #5 hex. Then I removed the pan (10 mm bolts). Then I removed the filter ( three 10mm bolts). Then I followed directions included in the kit to fill the tranny with fluid. *I went ahead and put in all 6 liters of tranny fluid. I started my car 3 times while putting in the fluid....whike making certain to NOT go over 35 Celsius. I used a laser thermo gun and it worked like a charm. Much cheaper than getting a VLAG. When I started my car those 3 different times, I switched thru all gears , with my foot mashed on the brake of course....but remember....dont let it run too long because ya dont want the tranny getting warmer than 35 Celsius. After I got all 6 liters of tranny fluid in, I removed the fill plug that came in the kit, and put in my drain plug. I screwed it in only a little ways so when I turn on the car and let it idle to warm up( this time between 35 and 45 Celsius) the excess can run out of the drain hole. When it begins to finally just trickle out, then tighten her down. Ya should be good to go. A good way to clean the concrete is put a generous amount of baking soda down to soak up spilled tranny fluid. Rub it in real good and then sweep it up. Then put a good dish soap on it and scrub it with a firm bristle brush. Then hose it down. By the way, I had bought the BLAU kit and had it at my door in 2 days. I spent the extra $9 for 2 day delivery. In the last month I installed a new throttle body, cam sensor, crank sensor, fuel filter, new plugs, new coils, oil change, vacuum pump delete kit, new tires, AWE Tuning catback, and the tranny filter & fluid. Purrs like a kitten.

[@RobbieMK5]

That’s for an automatic car

[@chinhphan4787]

6 liters? 😂

[@mariomanzo4116]

Thanks for the video! Just did my first transmission swap in my driveway and needed to figure out how to fill it with fluid

[@PacificRacer]

You are welcome!

[@Feedtruth1982]

This video helped immensely, thanks for sharing!

[@PacificRacer]

I am glad it helped!

[@timothyolmos5918]

Nick, I have searched KZbin for other DIY manual transmission service videos for the MK5 Jetta, and yours is the only one that includes the removal of the backup light sensor and topping off the fluid using that port. In light of that, I would like to know where you learned of the need to complete that step. I love my car (as you might be able to tell), and I just want to make sure that the info that I am getting is spot on. I hope that you do not take that as a knock on you...I am just really careful when it comes to the servicing of my favorite ride. Thanks!!

[@PacificRacer]

I got that from the VW service manual at my local dealer. I made sure to ask two service techs about it before i did it. I understand your concern.

[@timothyolmos5918]

@@PacificRacer So would I fill until the fluid starts to come out of the sensor port?

[@timothyolmos5918]

What is the torque spec for the sensor?

[@PacificRacer]

@@timothyolmos5918 no. I mean you could. But it is a measured amount. If i still had my service manual i would let you know. I no longer have the car or service manual. Sorry

[@timothyolmos5918]

@@PacificRacer Nick, I struggled for over an hour today trying to take off the reverse light sensor, but I could not get it off. I was becoming so frustrated that I had to stop so that I did not break it. Please give me the tip that worked for you without ruining either the sensor or the harness. Thanks!!.

[@blondiejoe]

Thanks man, this will help me a lot. One question: couldn't you just leave the fill plug in? I mean drain it from the drain plug, then fill the full two quarts from the reverse sensor hole? Genuinely asking if there's something else I should know before skipping that step. Thanks!

[@PacificRacer]

Yes, you could do that. I took mine out because i replaced it with a magnetic tipped one.

[@blondiejoe]

@@PacificRacer I did not know that was a thing, but it makes total sense. Where did you get yours? Thanks!

[@PacificRacer]

@@blondiejoe I got mine from ECS Tuning. But yeah, most new cars come with magnetic plugs now to catch bits of metal shavings. Glad I could help!

[@blondiejoe]

@@PacificRacer cool, thanks

[@rogerlucas1733]

Pretty good but VW recommends 1.9 qts. total after you drain it thoroughly which also includes unscrewing shift pin cover w a total bit as oil will come out there too. I am hesitant tho cuz 1st u hafta lock the pin from top of Trans. So if just drain most of it out thru drain hole then seems shld add back a little less than 1.9 qts since some is still there if don't drain from shift pin. Like maybe 1.75 qts? added back in. Otherwise nice info. The topping off to 1.9 qts or less thru reverse sensor port was a tech fix VW did from bout 06 on when they found the fill hole was below the amount of fluid the engineers wanted in there...lol

[@luisrr-ci3kq]

Hi, great video....I'm about to do this myself...I just wanted to ask you what tool did you used to pour the new gear oil

[@PacificRacer]

Hand pump from harbor freight. www.harborfreight.com/multi-use-transfer-pump-63144.html?event_id=183617&campaignid=19166639680&adsetid=145001820875&product=63144&store=279&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoJa2BhBPEiwA0l0ImKBgGLTqwepmSut6m-NVxwJ2whxRwFfSeMTm9RGXsKJV3jgBmrepNxoCRwEQAvD_BwE

[@sonofprince4124]

Did you fill up again at the reverse light sensor after taking it and driving and going through the gears? Like you were talking about at the very end of the video or not???

[@PacificRacer]

Yes I did. Sorry I did not show that part

[@splatbubble]

Great vid. Question... you mentioned your oil was low, and imo it looked pretty dark... did you notice any shift issues before the fluid change? My 3rd gear is a bit sticky now, and I'm planning on doing this fluid change myself.... thanks for the tutorial!

[@PacificRacer]

I noticed mine were "sticky" feeling also before i did the change

[@splatbubble]

@@PacificRacer phew! ok well fingers crossed... I'll letcha know how mine works. Car has 96k miles on it and I bought it with like 50k something. I've had it meticulously serviced at a local place, but maybe they missed the interval, I dunno... this will be a fun job. thank you.

[@splatbubble]

@@PacificRacer Another goofy question.... did you have your car level when up on stands? I have ramps and Haynes says just raising the front is fine, but I'm curious as to whether you worried about the tilt at all?

[@PacificRacer]

@@splatbubble I had full jackstands under the front and i had the rear off the ground about 6 inches

[@dcartellone2659]

Is it a good idea to replace these bolts while doing this service. Also stupid question but if it were really dirty and you put clean fluid in there would it still act fine. Kinda comparing this to a dirty automatic transmission when you would have problems afterwards. Is a manual transmission totally different.

[@PacificRacer]

You can reuse bolts. Manual is totally different

[@dcartellone2659]

@@PacificRacer Thanks!!

[@DM-co6ed]

Is this the 5 speed or 6 speed?

[@PacificRacer]

5 speed manual

[@charleshines6155]

When I saw the sockets you are using it seemed weird at first but I am just used to the 09G

[@PacificRacer]

Yeah, this one is a bit different

[@srider176]

Question for you. What oil did you use for the trans? The book says 75w80 but the can’t find that at my local auto parts store and I’m getting conflicting answers on the forums since I live in SE Pa and they say the GL5 will be to thick in the colder months. Thank you in advance

[@PacificRacer]

I used Lucas Synthetic 75w-90. It was one of the approved gear oils for these transmissions. GL5 will be more thick in colder months, but isnt a big deal once the car warms up. The Lucas 75w90 exceeds GL5 levels

[@srider176]

Good to know. Thank you for the quick reply!!

[@davidm.1934]

Dude I have a quick question, I purchased my Mk5 at 98k miles. & it now has 114k on it and it’s the automatic transmission. Should I swap the fluid? Or leave it? It does have a very slight kick when downshifting from 3rd gear to 2nd. I know these transmissions aren’t the best when automatic. So when this one does fail, would the 02J transmission work? As i read on your other comment? Thanks in advanced 🙏🏻

[@PacificRacer]

Yes, it would work. You could try changing the fluid and seeing if that helps. The trans could be going out though. 02j takes some slight fab work but is super reliable and worth it if you are keeping the car

[@luisarsuaga7637]

My 2006 2.5 Jetta has around 135,000 miles and the transmission fluid has never been replaced. Now the car feels kinda slow in the first 2 gears (sort of as it had the emergency brake on). If I do this to my car, will the transmission behave better?

[@PacificRacer]

What transmission do you have? Sounds like your clutch might be slipping

[@luisarsuaga7637]

@@PacificRacer Sorry forgot that detail. The transmission is automatic.

[@PacificRacer]

@@luisarsuaga7637 you can try a fluid change, but it could be something else. Those automatics can have issues sometimes that im not sure about

[@hosrow]

Wheee exactly is the reverse sensor plug? And how do you drain it before filling it?

[@PacificRacer]

You drain from the bottom of the transmission like I did. You dont need to do the reverse sensor plug first. The reverse sensor plug is almost on top of the side of the transmission. I might be able to post pictures if that helps.

[@hosrow]

@@PacificRacer Thanks for quick reply. I found the reverse sensor plug using surrounding parts in your video as reference. Awesome video, really helped a lot. I was curious why there were two places to fill fluid and only one to drain. Do you know why? Interestingly the reverse sensor plug took more fluid than the main fill plug below it. First I pumped fluid from the main fill plug (3-4 pumps did it), then pumped fluid from the reverse sensor and noticed fluid started coming out of the main filling plug after a couple of pumps. So i screwed the main fill plug in, and proceeded to fill the rest of the 2 qt. from the reverse sensor which was more than i pumped in the main full plug. Was this a correct approach? Would love to see more fluid replacement videos like brake and radiator.

[@PacificRacer]

I replaced my Radiator fluid a few weeks ago. I should have recorded it. I might make a video showing how to change it anyways lol Im glad I could help!

[@mikecal516]

I just purchased a 2.5 5 speed Volkswagen rabbit. Automatic. When it shifts into gears it shifts hard. Any idea? Ppl said do a transmission flush or valve body and if none those work could be my tranny. But only has 110k miles on her.

[@PacificRacer]

For sure start with the transmission fluid, but then again, the automatics had a few issues. Hoping for the best!

[@gxyxy1012]

what if i don't do the whole electrical plug second hole fill. Is the amount needed around 2.3 L . Will I be short of fluid?

[@PacificRacer]

You will be short on fluid, yes

[@gxyxy1012]

@@PacificRacer thanks for the info. One last question, where is the sensor located exactly. I can't figure where it would be

[@PacificRacer]

@@gxyxy1012 right at the top of the trans on the backside if i remember right

[@gxyxy1012]

@@PacificRacer So, when you say top and backside I'm confused because they contradict. Can I see it from the hood, or is it also below the car?

[@PacificRacer]

@@gxyxy1012 its still below the car, but towards the top half of the trans. Its kind of a tight fit for hands. If i still had the car i would take some pics to show you, but i sold it 10 months ago

[@HugoERoman]

Hi, please could you tell me the specification of the standard transmission fluid for the Jetta MKV 2.5, including if it's GL4 or GL5, thanks in advance

[@PacificRacer]

I will check in the morning and let you know

[@PacificRacer]

Ok, so, I used what VW of America recomends using. It is Lucas SAE 75w-90 gear oil. It exceeds gl-4 and gl-5 service levels

[@HugoERoman]

@@PacificRacer Right, thanks a lot

[@Lucidkevin1]

Who has changed the fluid and the had transmission problems afterwards? Currently have 220,000 kms on it with no known history of maintenance. What do you think? It’s shifting pretty hard

[@PacificRacer]

Sounds like it ay be time for a new transmission. These transmissions were not known for having a long life

[@shugarysubstances]

if you're running a manual, you're fine to change the trans fluid whenever - just don't flush it imo. the fear of changing fluid and then needing a new trans is from automatics - essentially it has to do with clutch packs and clogging valve bodies etc. but manuals are totally different. I'm about to drop the fluid on a 230k mile jetta that I also don't know the history on.

[@苏蒂斯]

@@shugarysubstancesHello, I'm choosing a second-hand mk6. Do you think I should buy an automatic transmission or a manual transmission?

[@cometdude6789]

so how much should go in through the reverse sensor? Doesn't look like much goes in through the fill plug. The oil spec page says 2.0 quarts

[@PacificRacer]

MrCrazy0ne the fill plug gets it a little over half way i think. I might have to check and get back to you

[@cometdude6789]

Pacific Racer ok

[@jhonathanjones3427]

Oil Lucas 75w 90 used on manual transmission

[@PacificRacer]

Sometimes I use corn oil

[@matthausbeck5728]

Fantastic job on this video. Thank you so much for putting this together

[@PacificRacer]

You are welcome!

[@edgarpicazo5993]

Hi Nick awesome video. 07 Rabbit 2.5 manual transmission. I used your method and filled through the reverse light sensor. 1: Used Mobil 1 75/90 synthetic. Is this ok? 2: Using the reverse sensor fill method,, do I stop pumping until it comes out of there?

[@PacificRacer]

Thank you very much! 1: Yes, 75/90 works fine. 2: You can do it in the reverse sensor hole until a little comes out. But only a little

[@edgarpicazo5993]

@@PacificRacer Nick you are awesome bud, I really appreciate what you do for us VW lovers. God bless and stay safe.

[@francojaime1916]

hi, is the oil being fed through the reverse sensor?

[@PacificRacer]

First through the fill hole, and then through the reverse sensor hole. Just to make sure amounts are right

[@rgload]

I want to make an exchange of automatic to manual exchange on the jetta 2.5, which exchange serves on it?I live in Brazil and here there is only Automatico, if you can inform me thank you.

[@PacificRacer]

If you are going to do a swap, you should use the 02J tansmission from the mk4 jetta and golf. the manual in the mk5 rabbit has a pretty high failure rate around 150,000 miles and it doesnt hold power well. but if you want to use the normal 5 speed found in a 2.5 rabbit or jetta the code is 0A4 (lpf)

[@davidm.1934]

Pacific Racer would this swap also work for my 2010 Jetta?

[@mikemarin4793]

Notice that you may have a transmission leak ? Heard it’s common for them too leak

[@PacificRacer]

No leaks. I check weekly for leaks. I have never heard that. I know five other people with Rabbits, and none of them have had leaks.

[@markAD666]

its the vacuum pump lol

[@Jerry-zs5kp]

This is for auto or manual ?

[@PacificRacer]

Manual only

[@SIlvia_Steve]

Really appreciate this video thanks a bunch

[@PacificRacer]

You are welcome!

[@miguelespinosaruiz9003]

Hey where do you find the the reverse light fill

[@PacificRacer]

On top of the transmission

[@wilsq30]

Above the starter to the right

[@Seandelli1]

i didnt see any filter changed. Is there not any transmission oil filter for the 2.5 ltr, 5-cylinder engines?

[@PacificRacer]

This video was just for the fluid. To change the filter, you have to take the bottom of the transmission off

[@Mach1Chriss]

Hey man a little questionable on that reverse brake light sensor filler is that on a mk5 jetta as well. And no disrespect or discredit but like where did find out you had to do this.

[@joegreerii3223]

Umm... The pro manual, the haynes manual, the bently lmao... Most any vet of the VW forums... It's legit aaf 😂 vw has made themselves a cozy spot in hell for being this difficult

[@Mach1Chriss]

@@joegreerii3223 lol forgot to delete this comment already did it and germans engineering is definitely weir but intricate at the same time. Im used to working on American cars primarily mustang thats why i was a little skeptical when he said "reverse brake light sensor" and thats were the rest of the transmission fluid goes

[@PacificRacer]

Happy to help you understand! I now have a Mustang and a 280Z as a play car

[@2litlouie69]

Hey man your videos really help me out but can you show where the bolts are and not just cut to the bolt part

[@PacificRacer]

sorry about that. I will try to do better in my next diy video

[@alexcastro5699]

But and the oil filter? Only oil? Its Lukas oil dielectric ? I have jetta 2.5 tiptronic, no future problems?

[@PacificRacer]

The tiptronic is a little different. I cant really comment on it because i have only worked on the manual transmissions.

[@davidmiller1151]

Thanks for the info 😊

[@PacificRacer]

No problem!

[@2012rexdog]

Is it possible to just fill from the sensor plug instead of the fill plug since it’s above it anyways

[@PacificRacer]

Yes, it is possible. But to make sure you get the right amount, i would still fill to the drain plug and then add more into the sensor plug just to make sure. Short cuts dont always work out.

[@rogerlucas1733]

@@PacificRacer Thats what I was wondering too. Unless the sensor hole fills a different compartment of the tranny, there seems to be no reason to use the side fill hole as you are stopping at 2 quarts anyway.

[@PacificRacer]

@@rogerlucas1733 As long as you know the right amount to add for sure, there would be no issue with that. I just like making sure things are getting the right amount back in for sure.

[@rogerlucas1733]

@@PacificRacer So most videos and forums say just to fill from fill plug till starts dripping out. Are you positive the back up sensor port must be filled too? unless this port is filling another chamber, you would just be raising the level higher than the fill plug, In either case, VW dealer says they have no maintainence procedures for changing as they consider it lifetime from the factory. Tho when I sucked a bit out of fill hole (which by the way the level was right at bottom of hole ) it seemed a bit dirty . VW says its lifetime but maybe they consider lifetime 10 yrs?

[@adrianb990]

Where is the reverse light sensor

[@PacificRacer]

On the top half of the trans. I dont remember the exact spot.

[@guaco17]

Dope, thanks man!

[@siegfriedgariseb5610]

CAn u please help me I want to change my mk5 fsi transmision oil

[@PacificRacer]

Automatic or manual?

[@Jeremya74]

WHY DO SO MANY KZbinRS NOT PUT THE YEAR?...YOU KNOW YEARS ARE DIFFERENT RIGHT????

[@PacificRacer]

Mk5 covers 2005-2010. I didnt want to list all the years, so just putting mk5 covers those years.

[@rogerlucas1733]

Darn auto correct....torx bit not total bit

[@PacificRacer]

Auto correct will get you every time haha

[@Derek-y9q]

Thanks!

[@PacificRacer]

You are welcome!

[@jaysalas2558]

👍 👌 👍

[@PacificRacer]

🙂

[@TSter504]

WTF!!!! This manufacturer is overly complicated and underperforming…. Why not just have a top fill? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@PacificRacer]

Top fills are for nerds

[@maxmillion4216]

What a pain in the ass.

[@PacificRacer]

Its not to bad tbh