Auto Service @ 65k

[StevieG]

As the Crafter is still under warranty until late 2026, I have been reluctant to replace the Auto Oil and Filter, in case of a warranty issue. I've also been towing a trailer on most of my voyages, which adds to the Auto Trans service dilema.. !


As It looks like I will keep this thing for sometime, I decided it was worth changing the Auto Trans Fluid and Filter.

I'm very happy I did.
The condition of the oil was Dark Dirty and Smelly.
I drive this vehicle like its a Princess, mostly highway miles and hardly ever loading it up off the lights.
I was glad to see the Magnets in the Pan had hardly any material stuck to them, no build up of any type.

I decided to flush the Cooler and Converter, as the oil was that Black.
Just above and in front of the Trans is what looks like a Pressure Relief Block for the cooler hoses. It was easy enough to remove these and flush out the cooler and Run the new oil through until the Black Nasty stuff was gone.
I spoke to Penrite to ensure their Oil specs were correct for the Aisin A450 8 Speed.

This may or may not be of interest to others, regarding the long life of the Transmission.

Steve.

[LogicprObe]

When do VW say to do this service?

[JustCruisn]

VW will say it is filled for life or some such, so never.
60k seems to be the recommendation outside of a dealership. I have always done 60k I checked all my paperwork and the 3 times I had a mechanic do it, different places, they only changed the fluid. Most recent was DIY and I did the filter, sump gasket and drain plug too.

[StevieG]

Just for an interesting adventure I went to a VW Parts Dealer and enquired about Genuine Transmission Oil... There was none in the Country and if there were, it was going to cost like $800 just for the Oil...!

[JustCruisn]

Genuine Oil, for an Aisin transmission? Try a Toyota dealer.
Just get one that meets the specs for the Aisin box.