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Contents:

• Introduction
• Specifications:
  • 5-Speed Transaxle Specs
  • 4-Speed Transaxle Specs
  • Automatic Transaxle Specs
• Speedometer Drive Gear Info
• Related Links

Introduction:

Here's some transmission information I've gleaned off the web concerning Volkswagen transaxles. There are two important numbers/codes to use to identify a Volkswagen transaxle. First is the Volkswagen part number. Amazingly, the "020" transaxle will have a Volkswagen p/n that starts with "020", for example the "FF" transaxle is p/n "020-300-044-X" and the FN is "020-300-044-NX".

020 Transaxle code location	Top view of 020 transaxle

The other code number to find is stamped into the bottom of the transaxle, circled in light blue in the above left image. It is a 2 or 3 letter transaxle designation consists of the first 2 or 3 letters of the transaxle code. For example, my 020 transaxle is:

FN03033

This signifies its an "FN" transaxle, and a mfg. date of 03/03/(8)3 or Mar. 3, 1983, in the format of DDMMY (with the 10's digit of the year assumed to be 8 - as in 80).

• FYI: An 020 transaxle weighs about 75 lbs. dry.

In the above right image, you'll see a top view of the transaxle.

• Circled in red is the location of the reverse/back-up light switch. In later model vehicles, it'll be the rectangular shape as pictured, with a pair of screws holding it in place.
  • The screws use a triple-square bit (6mm as I recall).
  • Here is a good link about that style of switch.
  • This style switch typically has contacts that close in reverse (for the back-up lights) as well as contacts that close in other gears.
    • For example, there is typically a contact that closes in 5th gear to turn off the Up Shift light on the dash.
    • Earlier model transaxles will have the simpler style round reverse-pnly style switch in the same location.
• Circled in green is the speedometer cable connection.
  • On the end of the cable is a drive gear and the cable is held in with a small, rather special size screw (M7-1.25x25).
  • Be very, VERY careful not to lose that screw or let it fall into the hole in the transaxle.
• Circled in light blue is the 5th gear detent spring and plunger.
  • You can use this to adjust the force required to engage and disengage 5th gear.
• Circled in magenta is the bolt hole where the relay lever bracket attaches.
  • This is the bell-crank part of the shift linkage where the rear selector rod (that moves side-side) connects to the front selector rod (that moves front-back) which in turn connects to the gold-colored selector lever on the transaxle itself.
  • This bolt hole may not be used on transaxles from an A2 chassis.
• Circled in dark blue is one of the 3 studs used to attach the rear transaxle mounting bracket to the transaxle.
  • The A1 transaxles use the 3 mounting studs, 2 of which are not shown in the image below the output drive portion of the transaxle.
  • The A2/3 transaxles apparently use mounting bolts through holes instead of the studs. So some modification of those three locations may be needed if swapping an A2/3 transaxle to or from an A1 chassis.
• The gold painted part attached to the transaxle is the Selectror Lever.
  • That is the part that actually shifts (or selects) gears inside the transaxle. It moves in and out to select different gear ranges (like R, 1-2, 3-4, or 5) and side to side to select which gear in given range to use. See this page for details on the shifting operation.
  • The pictured Selector Lever is the A1 style part.
  • Also, both the original ball studs have been replaced with parts from Missing LinkZ.

One minor difference that you might run into with the various 020 transaxle versions is what chassis that transaxle was originally installed in:

• On transaxles originally installed in an A1 chassis, those will have 3 studs installed along the rear circumference of the final drive portion for mounting the rear transaxle mount bracket to.
• On trasnaxles originally installed in an A2 chassis, that rear mounting bracket is installed with bolts installed in through holes. The location of the bolt holes (on the A2 transaxle) may or may not match up with the stud locations on the A1 version.

Note: If you find an mistakes, omissions or have more information to add, please let me know.

Notes:

• Factory codes marked with * may not have been sold in the US, but may appear on imported gearbox cores.
  • The US versions are denoted in BOLD type.
• 0.97 until 7/80, 0.91 from 7/80 on
• 0.76 until 7/80, 0.71 from 7/80 on
• Calculated MPH figure assumes a stock diameter tire and rim (~22" rolling diameter)
  • Note: This figure will of course change with the actual rolling diameter of the tire, so feel free to calculate the speed vs. RPM data for the tire size you are interested in.
• In the gear ratio data, I have both the raw gear ratio itself and often followed by "/ x.xx" where the x.xx value is the overall gearing factoring in the final drive and gear ratios together, handy data for comparing trannys with different final drives
• Here is an on-line gear ratio/tire size/speedometer calculator
  • You can use this to determine engine revs for given speeds, etc.
• Gear oil (GL-4) fill quantity is 2 liters / 2.1 US quarts / 1.8 Imperial quarts
  • Fill by volume as the fill plug may be too low to allow a complete fill on transaxles mfg. prior to 1987

Notes:

• Calculated MPH figure assumes a stock diameter tire and rim (~22" rolling diameter)
  • Note: This figure will of course change with the actual rolling diameter of the tire, so feel free to calculate the speed vs. RPM data for the tire size you are interested in.
• In the gear ratio data, I have both the raw gear ratio itself and often followed by "/ x.xx" where the x.xx value is the overall gearing factoring in the final drive and gear ratios together, handy data for comparing trannys with different final drives
• Here is an on-line gear ratio/tire size/speedometer calculator
  • You can use this to determine engine revs for given speeds, etc.
• Gear oil (GL-4) fill quantity is 1.5liters / 1.6 US quarts / 1.3 Imperial quarts

Automatic Transaxle (010) Specifications:

Notes:

• Final drive gear oil (GL-4 or 5) fill quantity is 0.75 liters / 25 US ounces / 1.3 Imperial pints

Speedometer Drive Gears:

There are 3 available speedometer drive gears available for the 020 transaxle. Since the speedo gear is driven off of an intermediate shaft in the transaxle, the actual gear needed will depend upon the final drive ratio of the transaxle.

Related Links:

Here are several other web pages with on-line tranny info:

• The 020 transaxle really benefits from an upgraded shift linkage
  • And a good GL4 gear oil
• Here is a handy 17mm hex socket adapter for your 3/8" drive ratchet to remove and install 020 drain and fill plugs
• Here is an on-line gear ratio/tire size/speedometer calculator
• The Scirocco.org gear ratio page
• JWs VWs tranny chart
• The VW Vortex Manual Transmission forum has some excellent techical information.
• BrokeVW's 020 transaxle information is invaluable.
• German Transaxle does excellent 020 transaxle rebuilds
• And if 5 speeds isn't enough for you, how about 6?
  • VL Enterprises 6 Speed
    • Although I think VL Enterprises has since gone out of business, you may sitll find 6-speed conversions around