2013 Passat TDI transmission service (DSG) step-by-step top fill method

Here's what I watched - https://youtu.be/YkdfKNt4M7E?feature=shared - https://youtu.be/gn7mnE6bh4c?feature=shared

Here's what I used - Service kit https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-dsg-transmission-service-kit-liqui-moly-02e305051ckit2?ads_cmpid=21759817081&ads_adid=170798399729&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=g&ads_creative=715097223099&utm_term=&ads_targetid=pla-293946777986&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ttv=2&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD3np3WAHJdaxB-3mqNjD5sxhjHCV&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9-ua9YnxigMVhyBECB3fzgW5EAQYASABEgI-WfD_BwE - Top fill funnel Funnel https://a.co/d/6JTR3gI - 8mm and 14mm hex socket (male) - T-20, T-25, T-30 screws - 10-14mm, 17mm, and 22mm socket - 3" and 12" socket extensions

Here's what I did Car is on a sloped driveway, put ramps at the bottom to get as close to level as possible. Not going to use jacks on the slope. I put my iPhone's level tool on my rocker panel which read 0° to 1°. Pretty close.

  1. Under the hood, removed battery and battery tray. 10mm socket and a 14mm I think, with a 12" extension. Trans filter is located right under.
  2. Underneath, removed the splash shield.
  3. 14mm hex bit to remove main drain plug, let it drain about 2L
  4. Then 8mm hex bit in the same hole to remove the snorkel plug (NOTE: Snorkel plug is inside where the main drain plug covers - HAND TIGHT ONLY. They will break). I used a 3" extension on the bit, just in my hand no socket wrench
  5. Let it drain completely. It took about 20-25 mins for the dripping to almost completely stop. However much fluid comes out goes in later, so measure it. Expect about 5L total
  6. Under the hood, 24mm to remove trans the filter housing. Tug on the filter to pop it out. Mop up any excess fluid that pooled up in the filter seating. I used paper towels (be careful not to let it drip when you pull out).
  7. Reinstall the snorkel plug - HAND TIGHT ONLY. There is absolutely no reason for this to be extremely tight. It will break if you overtighten.
  8. Used this $15 funnel from Amazon, fit perfectly. Pour 1L at a time until 3L. A small amount dripped out through the snorkel.
  9. Reinstall the main drain plug with new crush washer (included in service kit) and fill the final 2L.

IMPORTANT: trans fluid gets thicker in the cold, and thins out when it's warmed up. To ensure you add the appropriate amount of fluid, the new fluid should be as close as possible to the used fluid temp. If you removed warm/hot trans fluid, measure it, and replace that amount with cold trans fluid - you'll be off. Heating up your fluid is possible. My car was cold from sitting for about 3 days and I used trans fluid I kept in the garage. It will pour in much faster if it's warm though.

  1. Remove the main drain plug again and let the excess drain. This is the snorkel plug self-leveling the trans fluid and allowing overflow out. Expect a little less than half a liter.
  2. Reinstall main drain plug with new crush washer (included in service kit). Tighten to spec 33 ft-lbs
  3. Under the hood, install new filter
  4. Replace O-ring on trans filter cover (O-ring included in service kit). Use your finger to rub some oil around it after you get it on. Reinstall trans filter cover.
  5. Reinstall battery tray. Reinstall battery. Reinstall splash shield (i kept it off for a couple days so I would see any potential leaks)

So far no issues. After a test drive it seems ok but I'm not sure how to know if I really messed anything up? I heard a turbo-like noise when the engine was cold and I was barely going 10-20mph, not sure if that's abnormal since I'm driving with the splash shield is off for the first time but I just noticed it.