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Maintenance Procedures -> Automatic Transmission for Your Volkswagen Routan SUV First Generation (2009-2014)

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WARNING! (Continued)  
WARNING! (Continued)  
To avoid contamination from foreign matter or  
moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that  
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the  
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.  
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture  
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.  
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during hard  
or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden brake  
failure. This could result in a accident.  
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-  
nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could  
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake  
failure. This could result in an accident.  
Automatic Transmission  
The automatic transmission and differential assembly are  
contained within a single housing.  
The fluid level in the automatic transmission should be  
checked whenever the vehicle is serviced. Operation with  
an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the  
transmission and the fluid.  
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in  
spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing  
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also  
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should be  
taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.  
All six–speed transmissions are equipped with a capped  
dipstick tube. It is sealed and should not be tampered  
with. Your authorized dealer has the necessary tools to  
ensure that the fluid level is set properly.  
(Continued)  
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Selection of Lubricant  
CAUTION!  
It is important that the proper lubricant is used in the  
transmission to assure optimum transmission perfor-  
mance. Use only manufacturer’s recommended transmis-  
sion fluid. Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine  
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for further informa-  
tion. It is important that the transmission fluid be main-  
tained at the prescribed level using the recommended  
fluid. No chemical flushes should be used in any trans-  
mission; only the approved lubricant may be used.  
Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-  
turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration  
in transmission shift quality and/or torque converter  
shudder. Using a transmission fluid other than the  
manufacturer’s recommended fluid will result in  
more frequent fluid and filter changes. Refer to  
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-  
taining Your Vehicle” for further information.  
Fluid Level Check (3.8L and 4.0L Engines with  
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission) – If Equipped  
The six-speed automatic transmission is a sealed unit and  
has no dipstick. See your authorized dealer to have the  
transmission fluid checked or serviced.  
Fluid and Filter Changes  
Refer to the “Warranty and Maintenance Booklet” for the  
proper maintenance intervals.  
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If the transmission is disassembled for any reason, the Appearance Care and Protection from Corrosion  
fluid and filter should be changed.  
Protection of Body and Paint from Corrosion  
Vehicle body care requirements vary according to geo-  
Special Additives  
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is an engineered graphic locations and usage. Chemicals that make roads  
product and its performance may be impaired by supple- passable in snow and ice, and those that are sprayed on  
mental additives. Therefore, do not add any fluid addi- trees and road surfaces during other seasons, are highly  
tives to the transmission. The only exception to this corrosive to the metal in your vehicle. Outside parking,  
policy is the use of special dyes to aid in detecting fluid which exposes your vehicle to airborne contaminants,  
leaks. In addition, avoid using transmission sealers as road surfaces on which the vehicle is operated, extreme  
they may adversely affect seals.  
hot or cold weather and other extreme conditions will  
have an adverse effect on paint, metal trim, and under-  
body protection.  
CAUTION!  
The following maintenance recommendations will enable  
you to obtain maximum benefit from the corrosion  
resistance built into your vehicle.  
Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as  
the chemicals can damage your transmission compo-  
nents. Such damage is not covered by the New  
Vehicle Limited Warranty.  
What Causes Corrosion?  
Corrosion is the result of deterioration or removal of  
paint and protective coatings from your vehicle.  
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The most common causes are:  
CAUTION!  
Road salt, dirt and moisture accumulation  
Stone and gravel impact  
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials such  
as steel wool or scouring powder, which will scratch  
metal and painted surfaces.  
Insects, tree sap and tar  
Salt in the air near seacoast localities  
Atmospheric fallout/industrial pollutants  
Special Care  
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive  
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once  
a month.  
Washing  
Wash your vehicle regularly. Always wash your ve-  
hicle in the shade using a mild car wash soap, and  
rinse the panels completely with clear water.  
It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges  
of the doors and rocker panels and be kept clear and  
open.  
Use wax to remove road film, stains and to protect  
your paint finish. Take care never to scratch the paint.  
If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,  
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is  
considered the responsibility of the owner.  
Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing  
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint  
finish.