Volkswagen AG 01M

Transmission general data

The legendary 4-speed automatic transmission 01M of Audi-Volswagen own manufacture (preceded by 095 / 096 models) has been produced for 20+ years, from 1995, for all popular FWD VW, Seat and Skoda (as well as Audi А3) vehicles with engines from 1.6l to 2.0l positioned transversally.

The most popular transmission in rebuilding is the 096 transmision. It had been assembled at some Volkswagen factories until 2009, while the 01M has been installed on the Passat series (China) up to the date. The German factories used the the 01N unit on the Passat series with various engines (A4, A6, Cabrio).

The less popular modification 01P (its predecessor is 098) capable of transferring a higher torque was used with up to 2.8l engines in VW Sharan, VW T2/T4, VW Eurovan, Ford Galaxy (micro buses and minivans). In terms of design, this transmission is similar to the 01M and these models have many compatible spare parts.The 097 transmission had been used in Audi 80 and 100 models unil 1995, when it was replaced by not less reliable 01N.

This family of automatic transmissions was the last masterpiece of VW-Audi Group, which tried to stay competitive on the automatic transmission market. The 5-speed ZF 5HP19 released in 1995 smoked the competition, and VAG soon decided to close the production of its automatic transmissions and started using products of Aisin Warner and ZF.

Technical issues and repair guidelines

One of the peculiarities of the 01M transmission lies in the transversal positioning of the unit. Therefore, VAG engineers also had to add a differential with a separate lubrication system (i.e. oil for it is tested and replaced separately).Gasket and seal repair kit (Overhaul kit) for the 01M is frequently ordered for the transmission repair. Rebuilding procedures, especially when there is burnt oil, require a full set of the friction components.

The list of 01M vulnerabilities includes the following:

• The rubber hardens and poorly endures pressure, especially in winter. Older vehicles and overheated automatic gearboxes have the full set of rubber-coated pistons replaced in them.
• The drum 3-4 may become worn out due to breaking of the basket along the axle of the shaft.
• The green front drum washer - plastic sliding bearing - melts or becomes brittle due to the temperature and lateral pressure effect.
• It is believed that 8-10 years is the average normal lifespan for all 01M-01N electrical components, including sensors. After this term, the resistance of its wiring starts to increase, the channel gets worn out, the characteristics of the valve closure change, and the computer "rejects" them.
• The Valve Body requires regular cleaning. For vehicles that covered over 150-200 thousand km this procedure is a “must”. (As well as Torque Converter rebuilding)
• ATF contamination comes from the Torque Converter and is a result of the dust flow from friction linings and worn out bearing washer. Contaminated ATF blocks channels and corrodes metal of these channels at some most loaded valves of the Hydraulic unit.