Volkswagen (VW) Vanagon, T3 (USA / CAN)

Automatic transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Volkswagen Vanagon, T3 (USA / CAN) automatic transmission fluid capacity ranges from 3 to 6 liters. Service intervals are not specified. The data covers 3 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
Vanagon 2.1 (70 kW) (1990-1991)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 6 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 3 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: 090 4/1
Vanagon 2.1 (70 kW) (1990-1991)
  • Use: Alternative (acceptable)
  • Capacity 6 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 3 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: 090 4/1
Vanagon 2.1i (70 kW) (1985-1990)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 6 liter

Additional Notes

  • The Volkswagen Vanagon, T3 automatic transmission specifications cover two closely related 2.1-liter engine variants, both rated at 70 kW, across the 1985-1991 model years.
  • For the Vanagon 2.1 (70 kW) covering 1990-1991, the automatic transmission carries a dry fill capacity of 6 liters and a service fill capacity of 3 liters. The dry fill figure represents the total fluid volume required when filling a completely empty or overhauled transmission, while the service fill figure reflects the smaller volume needed during a routine fluid change, when residual fluid remains in the torque converter and passages.
  • The same 6-liter dry fill and 3-liter service fill capacities apply to both the normal and alternative (acceptable) use conditions for the 1990-1991 Vanagon 2.1 (70 kW). The capacity values themselves do not differ between those two conditions.
  • For the Vanagon 2.1i (70 kW) covering 1985-1990, the automatic transmission specification lists only a single capacity figure of 6 liters, without a separate service fill value. This single figure corresponds to a dry fill measurement.
  • The 2.1i (70 kW) variant spanning 1985-1990 and the 2.1 (70 kW) variant spanning 1990-1991 share the same 6-liter dry fill capacity, indicating the same total fluid volume requirement for a fully drained automatic transmission across both configurations.

Other Systems