Window to Confirm TDC on 2003 Beetle with ALH & A/T help

[cherrybomb]

We have a 2003 Beetle with ALH & A/T. Searched many threads and was not able to locate the one on our car. We can see 1/2 of the round hole but the Negative Bat. Cable blocks the bottom part . The negative cable is mounted to a stud? on the bell-housing. Could the cable possibly obscure the rectangular window.> The cable runs parallel to the rear of block . We plan to change the Timing Belt and water Pump. and have the Long Cam Lock tool and 6mm pin. Rest of Metalnerd we can substitute. A visual on the TDC mark will confirm install is correct. 2 turns will also be used. The engine has no sheet metql covers so only a rough look from front to get it close. Is the Best way to locate it from front of car over the Rad. or over the Bat & Air Cleaner from the driver fender? Since the Rad is drained, maybe best to remove the Rad hose and coolant flange for better view. The round window seems to be around the 11 O'Clock position. Anyone have info a better view and looking area?

 

[STDOUBT]

Good info here, read the whole thread:

ALH Automatic Tranny TDC Mark Clarification

For timing belt replacement, the Bentley manual is unclear as to what part of the TDC mark you line up with the lower edge of the bellhousing window for an automatic transaxle with an ALH engine. The TDC mark is an oval "O" with two small lines on the outsides of the long side of the "O", in the...

forums.tdiclub.com

You should be able to locate this window by leaning over the driver's side of the bay, and peering down between the tranny and the engine block. Just your side of where they mate. It should have a black rubber cover plugging the window.

 

[cherrybomb]

Thanks for reply and info. We located the Round opening to left of upright center line. Still unable to see the rectangular opening as pictured in the TDC illustrations. It appear to be next (Left) to the round opening and down a bit. Perhaps we can locate it with more effort.

 

[JETaah]

Good info here, read the whole thread:

ALH Automatic Tranny TDC Mark Clarification

For timing belt replacement, the Bentley manual is unclear as to what part of the TDC mark you line up with the lower edge of the bellhousing window for an automatic transaxle with an ALH engine. The TDC mark is an oval "O" with two small lines on the outsides of the long side of the "O", in the...

forums.tdiclub.com

You should be able to locate this window by leaning over the driver's side of the bay, and peering down between the tranny and the engine block. Just your side of where they mate. It should have a black rubber cover plugging the window.

Your location description is for the manual trans cars. The Auto trans is more toward the front side of the bellhousing and doesn't use a rubber plug to cover the hole. It is rectangular in shape.

 

[GlowBugTDI]

You are wanting to find the timing mark in the rectangle opening of the bell housing and use that to place the mark at the very bottom of the rectangle window. There is also a bump just above the timing mark on the torque converter that can help find it easier. I have someone rotate the crankshaft while I held a large standard (flat) screwdriver on the TQ converter against the engine side of the window. As the crank turns the screw driver will hit the bump and you can stop turning. The bump also helps get the crank aligned perfectly in the window by using the screwdriver to pry it where it needs to be.

 

[cherrybomb]

Thanks you very much. Either we locate it from this or declare the housing defective casting w/o the rectangle. .

 

[cherrybomb]

Thanks so much for the Photo of the A/T sitting on the floor. That allowed us to feel confident we can locate the window. The Negative Cable and Lower water hose and harness hides it from view. Only 1/2 of the round hole is showing. It caused us some anguish. Thanks again!