Originally Posted by z32drifter

The Passat trans is much more durable than the other 4spd autos (I agree they suck) There is no dipstick, you have to check the fluid thru the fill plug in the bottom of the trans pan. You need a lift and special tools to check it properly. I've found that low fluid levels normally affect foward gears more than reverse. I'm afraid that you may have some type of internal trans failure.