1997 Volkswagen Jetta Oil Type & Capacity

The 1997 Volkswagen Jetta oil type depends on the engine: the GL, 2.0 A, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GL, 2.0 A, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GL, 2.0 B, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GL, 2.0 B, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GLS, 2.0 A, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GLS, 2.0 A, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GLS, 2.0 B, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GLS, 2.0 B, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GLX, Automatic takes 5W-40 (5.3 quarts with filter); the GLX, Standard takes 5W-40 (5.3 quarts with filter); the GT, 2.0 A, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GT, 2.0 A, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GT, 2.0 B, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the GT, 2.0 B, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.2 quarts with filter); the TDI, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.4 quarts with filter); the TDI, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.4 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

GL, 2.0 A, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GL, 2.0 A, Standard: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GL, 2.0 B, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GL, 2.0 B, Standard: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GLS, 2.0 A, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GLS, 2.0 A, Standard: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GLS, 2.0 B, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GLS, 2.0 B, Standard: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GLX, Automatic: 5W-40, 5.3 quarts with filter
GLX, Standard: 5W-40, 5.3 quarts with filter
GT, 2.0 A, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GT, 2.0 A, Standard: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GT, 2.0 B, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
GT, 2.0 B, Standard: 5W-40, 4.2 quarts with filter
TDI, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.4 quarts with filter
TDI, Standard: 5W-40, 4.4 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
GL, 2.0 A, Automatic — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GL, 2.0 A, Standard — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GL, 2.0 B, Automatic — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GL, 2.0 B, Standard — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GLS, 2.0 A, Automatic — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GLS, 2.0 A, Standard — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GLS, 2.0 B, Automatic — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GLS, 2.0 B, Standard — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GLX, Automatic — 2.8L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	5.30 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GLX, Standard — 2.8L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	5.30 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GT, 2.0 A, Automatic — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GT, 2.0 A, Standard — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GT, 2.0 B, Automatic — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
GT, 2.0 B, Standard — 2.0L Eng	SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.20 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
TDI, Automatic — 1.9L Eng	SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 505 01. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.40 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.
TDI, Standard — 1.9L Eng	SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 505 01. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).	4.40 QTS.	—	Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

Buy the right oil

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More specs & repair guides for your Jetta

1997 Volkswagen Jetta factory service manual All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

6.5 quarts (6.15 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta take?

It depends on the engine: GL, 2.0 A, Automatic uses 5W-40; GL, 2.0 A, Standard uses 5W-40; GL, 2.0 B, Automatic uses 5W-40; GL, 2.0 B, Standard uses 5W-40; GLS, 2.0 A, Automatic uses 5W-40; GLS, 2.0 A, Standard uses 5W-40; GLS, 2.0 B, Automatic uses 5W-40; GLS, 2.0 B, Standard uses 5W-40; GLX, Automatic uses 5W-40; GLX, Standard uses 5W-40; GT, 2.0 A, Automatic uses 5W-40; GT, 2.0 A, Standard uses 5W-40; GT, 2.0 B, Automatic uses 5W-40; GT, 2.0 B, Standard uses 5W-40; TDI, Automatic uses 5W-40; TDI, Standard uses 5W-40.

How much oil does a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta take?

Capacity depends on the engine: GL, 2.0 A, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GL, 2.0 A, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GL, 2.0 B, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GL, 2.0 B, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GLS, 2.0 A, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GLS, 2.0 A, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GLS, 2.0 B, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GLS, 2.0 B, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GLX, Automatic holds 5.3 quarts with filter; GLX, Standard holds 5.3 quarts with filter; GT, 2.0 A, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT, 2.0 A, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT, 2.0 B, Automatic holds 4.2 quarts with filter; GT, 2.0 B, Standard holds 4.2 quarts with filter; TDI, Automatic holds 4.4 quarts with filter; TDI, Standard holds 4.4 quarts with filter.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 1997 Volkswagen Jetta?

Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.