Transmission fluid (6 speed manual) (2024)

I just did a transmission fluid flush. I noticed that the stuff that came out was more purpleish, while the new stuff I was given from the VW dealership was more yellowish.

Should I be concerned? It still shifts great, no problems, but I want to make sure I'm not going to have any problems long term.

The part # of the stuff I was given is G 052 512 a2. The dealership looked it up off my VIN.

Thanks!

It looks like the gear oil the dealership sold you is mineral based, while G052171a2 is synthetic. I have no idea if your gear oil is correct, but I haven't seen the spec you listed anywhere for a 6 speed manual.

It is at least a GL-4 gear oil, so maybe it's fine.

The gear oil you listed sells for about $12 per liter, while the OEM spec oils are 2 to 3 times that price.

http://www.idparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=25_126&products_id=2421

http://www.germanautoparts.com/Volkswagen/Jetta/Transmission/283/13

Well crap. Should I get G052171a2 to be safe?

G 052 512 a2 is what the dealership pulled after looking up my VIN.

I really don't know. Hopefully some others will chime in. The one you used is a GL-4 oil, so it won't damage any of the yellow metals.

The synthetics are supposedly better for low temperature viscosity.

My question is; how many miles are on this 2011 Jetta? In other words, why did you decide to flush the transmission fluid (oil) in thest place. VW considers this to be a "lifetime" fill (which I do not agree with), but most of the gurus here recommend changing the gear oil about every 100,000 miles or so.

Have Fun!

Don

P.S. I, also, do not know the differences between the various G052 gear oils.

OK, I hope somebody here knows the differences between these lubricants.

Have Fun!

Don

So interesting turn of events...

I wasn't comfortable running the oil I received based on what I've read, so I ordered some G052171a2 oil. It's been a few days since I replaced it, and I've actually noticed the transmission being more notchy than before. Second, and fourth gear especially feel wayyy more notchy.

This was very confusing to me, so I went back to the dealership, and asked them for transmission oil for a 2011 Jetta TDI 6 speed manual... the part number that they pulled up was G052171a2, when I gave them my VIN number, the part # for oil that came up was G052512a2.

I think based on the fact that my transmission feels more notchy now, and using my VIN yields the 512 part number, I am going to switch back yet again.

At this point I've spent too much $$, lol, but I rather have piece of mind for another 100k miles.

The G052 512 A2 is not correct for your vehicle. I wonder if they mis-keyed the VIN, or you're suffering from some MKIV/VI translation (lots of MKIV parts in MKVI Jetta Sedans) that's coming up with the wrong oil. Or the dealer isn't looking at part number supersessions in ETKA.

Regardless, get the G052 out of there and use the correct oil. And the rule of thumb for manual transmissions is gear oil changes every 100K miles, even though VW says it's a lifetime fill.

IndigoBlueWagon said:

The G052 512 A2 is not correct for your vehicle. I wonder if they mis-keyed the VIN, or you're suffering from some MKIV/VI translation (lots of MKIV parts in MKVI Jetta Sedans) that's coming up with the wrong oil. Or the dealer isn't looking at part number supersessions in ETKA.

Regardless, get the G052 out of there and use the correct oil. And the rule of thumb for manual transmissions is gear oil changes every 100K miles, even though VW says it's a lifetime fill.

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The VIN was correct. I had two different people look it up at two different times and both came back with the same part #.

What are you saying is supposed to go in there besides G052?

Tuco said:

That's interesting. I believe the engines/transmissions/fluid specs are the same for model years 2010 thru 2014. The synthetic gear oil is a very thin 70-75W. Maybe the conventional gear oil is a bit thicker? Update the thread if anything changes, or if shifting becomes difficult when the temperature drops.

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I think that might be it. I can definitely feel more of the shifts now. It's definitely not as smooth. I'll compare how it feels tomorrow morning... it won't be super cold but probably around 40s

This http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthre...-02Q-gear-oil-part-numbers-and-some-questions

shows that G 052 512 A2 is for 2011.5+ Jetta MK6

Is LHD the typical transmission code for TDI Jetta's? Why are other people having success with the 171 gear oil, mine is so much worse? Very strange.

I got some more 512 today so I'll do a swap tomorrow and report back.

Tuco, I drove my car this morning it was 34 degrees F outside... it was definitely harsher, especially 1st and 2nd until it warmed up. However, even warmed up, I'm not getting the smoothness I was with the other oil

Your transmission feels more notchy because you installed a TT short shifter... It will feel more notchy than it was stock now because you shortened the throws, thereby increasing the mechanical feel.

Transmission fluid info:

From the VW parts catalog...

G 052 171 A2: Transmission fluid >29-05-2011

G 052 512 A2: Transmission fluid 30-05-2011>

G 052 171 A2 is a 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. (source: what appeared to be a VW tech sheet on the net)
G 052 512 A2 appears to be a straight 75W and I would assume a synthetic if is is a long life lube. (source: based on what I could find on the net which was very little)