Why do you want to check it? Nothing ever happens to it unless the transmission is self destructing and debris is getting into it.  
Fluid loss is minimal removing the cap and then the governor lifts out. There is also a seal at the bottom of the governor shaft. When it goes ATF goes into  the final drive. It can be serviced with the trans in place. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Pat Spragge
Sent: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 4:31 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: A/T governor R/R - necessary to drain ATF first?

Planning on removing and inspecting the governor on my 1989 A/T...it has an o-ring seal but does that mean that I will need to drain the ATF? Or will there be minimal leakage?

Pat S.
1989 Westfalia