Changing Transmission Fluid - 2005 TDI Passat Automatic

Hi, I've heard that replacing the transmission fluid on my car is more than just draining & filling it. Can anyone tell me more? Can anyone point me to a website that will tell me more?

Cheers

There is a write-up in the How-To section of the TDI 101, but that is for the four speed automatic(01M). It might give you some general idea.
I have the five speed auto in my 05 Golf(09A), but I'm not certain if you have the same in your Passat.

Take a fluid sample...This way you can determine how often it needs to be changed.

DB

you need vagcom to read the trans temp to get a correct fill I believe.

30k mile change interval is what I give our truck with the crappy E4OD, still going strong at 154k miles.

Have VW do it, I did.
By the time you buy all the necessary tools you'll be at VW's fluid change price and have a warrenty on the work as well.

Yes, you do need a vag-com so that you can check the temp at just the right temperature. Because the fluid expands and contracts with temperature, if the fluid is too cold, you'll overfill. If it's too hot, you'll underfill. Here's some more information on the process with some good pics: http://www.taligentx.com/passat/maintenance/atfchange/

Here's a direct picture looking UP (yes I said "up") into the filler hole (the filler hole is on the bottom of the pan). Note the plastic guard with the square hole in the side just inside of the filler hole. You have to put the filler hose (whatever you use) into that square hole but be VERY CAREFUL not to bump the white plastic piece upward because it can get unseated and be knocked into the pan. http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/5399/CopyofTransfillerhole.jpg