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.
1996 Volkswagen Passat GLS, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Quick Lookups: Fluids
| FLUID CAPACITIES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Application | Standard | Metric | Fluid Spec | Note | S/H | |
| Air Cond Compressor Oil | 4.00 OZS. | 0.11 L | PAG 46 | S | |||
| Air Cond Refrigerant | 2.31 LBS. | 1.04 KG | R-134a | S | |||
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | 3.20 QTS. | 3.02 L | Automatic Transmission Fluid ESSO Type LT71141 Fluid | S | |||
| Brake Fluid | N/A | N/A | DOT 4 Brake Fluid | Fill between "max" and "min" lines on reservoir. | S | ||
| Differential Gear Oil | N/A | N/A | Final Drive Filled-for-life. From August 26th 1996 and up use: G 052 145 S2, From August 1990 up to August 25th 1996 use: VW ATF G052 162 A2. | S | |||
| Engine Coolant | 2.0L Eng | 5.90 QTS. | 5.58 L | 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water | S | ||
| Engine Oil | 2.0L Eng | 4.10 QTS. | 3.88 L | SAE 5W-50, 10W-50 or 10W-60 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 90Deg.F), 5W-30 or 5W-40 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Below 0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40, 15W-50, 20W-40 or 20W-50 (15Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | S | ||
| Fuel Tank | 18.50 GALS. | 70.03 L | S | ||||
| Power Steering Fluid | N/A | N/A | VOLKSWAGEN Hydraulic Oil | Fill between "max" and "min" lines on reservoir. | S | ||
| Windshield Washer Fluid | 5.28 QTS. | 4.99 L | Windshield Washer Fluid | Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions for the mixture ratio. | S | ||
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
