VOLKSWAGEN "01M"
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
Vehicle
Cabrio 2.0L (L4)
1.8L (L4), 2.0L (L4), 1.9L Diesel
1.8L (L4), 2.0L (L4), 1.9L Diesel
1.8L (L4), 2.8L (V6)
2.0L (L4), 2.8L (V6)
1.8L (L4), 2.0L (L4), 1.9L Diesel, 2.8L (V6)
Beetle
Golf
Jetta
Passat
GTI
Years
1995-2001
1995-2001
1995-2001
1995-1997
1998-2001
1999-2001
Engine Size
"01M" MODEL USAGE CHART
The "01M" designated transaxle, shown in Figure 1, first appeared in the 1995 model year and was used in a
wide variety of the Volkswagen car lines along with various engine combinations, including the 2.8L V6 engine,
as shown in the chart below.
The "01M" transaxle is a 4 speed unit, with 4th gear being overdrive, and is equipped with a clutch in the torque
converter. Refer to the chart in Figure 1 for the internal components that are applied in each of the four forward
gear ranges. Notice that it has only one freewheel device for 1st gear.
The "01M" transaxle is totally electronic controlled and uses a Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to control shift
points, apply and release of the torque converter clutch, and line pressure control. This is done using seven
solenoids located on the valve body. The solenoid pattern for each gear and the description of operation is
provided for you in Figure 2. Electrical signals from various sensors provide information to the ECU about
vehicle speed, throttle position, engine coolant temperature, transaxle fluid temperature, gear range selected,
converter turbine speed, engine load and engine speed. The ECU uses this information to determine the precise
moment to upshift or downshift, apply or release the TCC and what fluid pressures are needed to apply the
components.
If for any reason the entire electronic control system of the transaxle becomes disabled, or the ECU detects a
problem with one of the various sensors that stores a trouble code, all of the solenoids will be de-energized
(Turned OFF). This "Safety Mode" operating state of the solenoids forces the transaxle to operate in 3rd gear
when the selector lever is in the "Drive" range. We have provided you with an internal wire schematic and case
connector pin identification in Figure 3, and a chart in Figure 4 to check the resistance of the solenoids and fluid
temperature sensor. Refer to Figure 5 to check solenoid mechanical operation on the bench.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 will provide you with exploded views of the valve body and all valve body components along
with the names of each valve. The names of the valves are ATSG interpretations of the valves functions, not
Volkswagens. Figure 9 will provide you with the valve body spring specifications that we observed in the valve
body that was used for the illustrations, and may be different in the various models. Refer to Figures 10 and 11
for the checkball locations in this unit and Figure 12 for air checks.
