vl trans service (warning!)

[jatsvl]

when servicing your vl jatco transmission you should be aware of the filter bolts, there are 14 bolts that hold the filter in, 11x 8mm bolts and 3x 10mm bolts 1 of the 10mm bolts has a plain flat head this is the one that can cause a problem it has a nut on the top side, of cause the workshop manual makes no mention of this, when you put this bolt back in it disslodges the nut which ends up in the top of your trans then you must try to locate it and put it back in the slot and hold it there while you put the bolt in, not very easy considering there is no room to put your hand in there, I used a flathead screwdriver to hold it in place,
here is a couple of pics.

[Nackerz]

spot on bloke good post!

[detox_nath83]

cheers for the heads up jatsvl

[moff_man]

i usually pull the valve body out reassamble the filter than reassemble the valve body

[Goon]

Nice tips mate, i serviced mine the dark once with a flashlight, what a bitch..

Yeah dont lose patience either!

[grazm]

Same thing happened to me. I dropped the valve body and inserted the stud from the top so the nut was on the bottom. Just make the nut a 'LOCKNUT' so it won't come off.

[88-SERIES200]

I wish that i saw this before i changed mine yesterday. that bolt wouldnt bite in as if there was no thread to bite into so i assumed there was a nut sitting above the valvebody. i had to end up leaving it out as it was getting dark but the car is going really good now but i still wanna get that bolt in asap. JATSVL. can you please tell me how to get it in without any problems..? will anything fall out when the valvebody comes out. and will the nut thats in the box cause trouble as it is?

[jatsvl]

when I lost the first one I was able to use a flexible magnet to retrieve it and place it in the slot and held it in place with a long flat head screwdriver while putting the bolt in.
others have suggested removing the valve body with no problems and placing the bolt in the slot and the nut on the bottom.
as far as leaving it in there rattling around I only imagine it could cause some problems (e.g. restricting fluid flow) I suggest fixing this problem ASAP.