Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Quick Lookups: Fluids
| FLUID CAPACITIES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Application | Standard | Metric | Fluid Spec | Note | S/H | |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | 3.20 QTS. | 3.02 L | Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRON | S | |||
| Brake Fluid | N/A | N/A | DOT 4 Brake Fluid | S | |||
| Engine Coolant | 18.60 QTS. | 17.6 L | 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water | S | |||
| Engine Oil | w/Filter | 4.80 QTS. | 4.54 L | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (-20Deg.F to 20Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 80Deg.F) | S | ||
| Engine Oil | w/o Filter | 4.20 QTS. | 3.97 L | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (-20Deg.F to 20Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 80Deg.F) | S | ||
| Fuel Tank | 16.00 GALS. | 60.56 L | S | ||||
| Manual Transmission Fluid | N/A | N/A | Hypoid Oil SAE 80, SAE 75W-80 or SAE 80W-90 (Mil-L-2105 or API - GL-4) | S | |||
| Power Steering Fluid | N/A | N/A | Automatic Transmission Fluid DEXRON | S | |||
| Windshield Washer Fluid | 4.30 QTS. | 4.06 L | Windshield Washer Fluid | Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions for the mixture ratio. | S | ||
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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