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Jetta Transmission Problems and Questions

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Comments

  • skd1869skd1869 Member Posts: 1
    My 23yr old step daughter recently purchased a 202 Jetta, (her and her boyfriend wanted to do it all on their own) and did not have it looked at by anyone who knew anything about the mechanics. Long story short t3 months later the transmission seems to be going out. It will go into gear then seem like it is either down shifting our going into neutral then SLAM back into gear, it also does the same thing when you drive it down the road. One other thing is that when they bought it the battery that is in it is too small and that made some of the engine lights go on and off and different codes show up. She purchased the car from a local buy here pay here place and they of coarse are not going to help. These kind of places pray on people like her. When she purchased the car she had just given birth to my first grandson 5 days earlier. I really want to help her on this one but $ is very tight. Does anyone know where to start and if the trans is shot how difficult would it be to swap out myself. I have some mechanical knowledge but have never even change oil in a Volkswagen. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE SHE REALLY NEEDS SOME HELP!

    Thanks to all that reply! SKD
  • btravenbtraven Member Posts: 5
    I sold my red 97 Jetta GLX with only 67K miles on it and no dings, no cracked dashboards or no torn or smushed seats for only $600. I bought it with 35K miles from a VW dealer where it was "certified" for $15,000.

    The mechanic who bought it took it to another mechanic, a VW specialist who owns a 97, & who told my buyer. that the engine is too powerful for the transmission and tears it up. He said it would be useless to replace the automatic transmission because it would just fail again. They're going to install a manual transmission.

    Makes me think that this is VW's error and there should be recourse. Anyone agree and want to figure out a tactic?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited September 2010
    I think a VW technician or independent shop should scan the transmission computer for trouble codes and if necessary, then do a pressure test, before you write the whole thing off--there are various electronic components that might be affecting the shifting.

    Looks like R&R is not that big a job, but probably not easy without a lift and proper safety equipment.

    VISITING HOST
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Certainly the Jetta can be a problematic car, but I don't think you have any recourse on a vehicle that is 13 years old. Age is a factor in transmission failure just like mileage is; also you bought the car used and you have no idea what the previous owner might have done to it.

    I'm sorry to hear you had such misfortune with it, but it sounds like, in hindsight, you should have fixed the car. The story you got from the VW mechanic sounds fanciful to me on a number of levels. It's possible they just talked you out of the car and will fix it themselves--and I seriously doubt they would go to the trouble of converting and installing a stickshift on a car that really has very little value, even when running well.

    Best thing to do is just write it off to experience, and come see us before your next purchase so that the community can help you make a good choice.
  • rustyredrustyred Member Posts: 2
    Okay, I have a 2000 Jetta manual 5 speed. No, I don't ride the clutch. It's gettin mighty sticky going into first and reverse. Driving alot and praying it doesn;t go out soon. Had it checked at dealer for 57. bones and they say it's nothing "external". They quoted me 1600. to go in but that doesn't even tell me what they'll find. Do the symptoms sound like a full on new transmission or a new clutch? If it seems a trans, where can I get it done right for like no money?
    Thanks in advance for any advice!
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    edited September 2010
    I cant imagine the problem you are experiencing would be the xmission at all....
    (it is VERY unlikely that both 1st and reverse would fail at the same time.)

    Usually a clutch fails by starting to slip so badly that it will not pull the vehicle uphill in any gear. Your clutch is simply not releasing completely.

    I beleive your 2000 has a hydrolic clutch. What you describe sure sounds like a problem with either clutch-master-cylinder or slave-cylinder. These components are FAR less intrusive to replace than pulling the engine and seperating the xmission.

    Hydriolic fluid (brake and clutch) MUST MUST be replaced every 2-3 years reguardless of miles. This is because it is hydroscopic and attracts water like a sponge. It does this on purpose to protect the metal components... however, once it is saturated with water, droplets form and rust begins inside the system.

    If you have not been replacing clutch fluid every 2-3 years, I would bet your clutch-master-cylinder or slave-cylinder has started to fail due to internal corrosion.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Pressure plates can go bad however. I'd be more apt to suspect a hydraulic clutch as well, like bpeebles says. I don't see the transmission as much of a possibility.
  • 1truck1truck Member Posts: 8
    I have a 2000 Jetta 2.0 5 speed with 111K. It suddenly wont shift into reverse, 1st, 2nd or 5th. Had to drive it home in 3rd and 4th. The clutch doesn't slip. I removed the boot around the shifter and all the linkage appears to be ok. Any ideas?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Check the cable-lingages where they connect to the xmission. They are right on top and easy to see.
  • 1truck1truck Member Posts: 8
    Thank you! Found the broken plastic bracket on the top cable. Thanks again!!
  • rustyredrustyred Member Posts: 2
    Sorry for the late reply! Thank you very much for this info! I am going to pursue this avenue.
  • spotlitekidspotlitekid Member Posts: 2
    Bought a 99 Jetta for my kids. transmission went. or did it. had it rebuilt. but still had this problem:
    When car was really warmed up, usually after a 1/2 hour driving
    Car would not go into next gear, rpm's would get to 4 -5k, it would finally kick into next gear when i took my foot off gas for a second and try again.

    mechanic tried everything. Read somewhere on these posts that people who had same or like problem had 3 different fixes.
    Valve body kit
    temp sensor
    or wiring harness to transmission.

    well the third option did the trick. once replacing the wiring harness all codes disappeared and car is purring like kitten now

    hope this helps someone cause its a doozy of a problem!
  • duckfan3duckfan3 Member Posts: 1
    what could be the issue, I cannot shift into Reverse, 1st, 3rd and 5th, 2 and 4 are fine, And I am currently 45 miles from home is it safe to drive it that far
  • yerrufyerruf Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2010
    recently acquired a 2002 Jetta with automatic-I have only driven manuals-so on this automatic-is it normal for the D to delay after it is selected? All other selections engage immediately -
    other than that great car-first owner had all recalls taken care of as well as maintenance-she is my sister-so I have all paperwork etc-
    but on the automatic is there an easy check for fluid?
    It has only 35k on it-sister is not much on driving-
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    You asked "on the automatic is there an easy check for fluid? "

    The answer is .... You need to connect your VW to computer to check ATF level. It is not hard if you have a VagCom.

    I can tell you that my daughters 2001 VW with automatic has over 110,000 miles on it. My 2003 (manual xmission) has over 130,000 miles. My other daugher had 2 VWs ....both well over 100,000 miles.

    I guess I am saying that you should expect relatively good service out of yours. 35,000 miles is hardly even broken-in.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Have you ever changed fluid on your automatics?

    We have only 40,000 on our 2005, but some day I may need to decide if I believe the "lifetime" transmission fluid story.
  • yerrufyerruf Member Posts: 4
    I'm not used to an automatic-especially in a VW-nice to know they are long living-I'll have it for at least 100,000 miles
  • yerrufyerruf Member Posts: 4
    never ever had one before
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I had 2 cars car with an automatic xmission ... 1976 Chevy Blazer and 1981 AMC Eagle.

    I *much* prefer manual xmission for several reasons.
    *) I can shift better than any automatic
    *) Automatic costs more to buy and more to maintain
    *) Automatic gets less MPG than manual xmission.

    As long as my left knee holds out, I will drive manual xmissions.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    It is no longer true that an automatic always gets less MPG than manual xmission. In many cars today the mpg of the automatic is equal to or greater than the manual.

    More cars are also starting to come with a DSG type of automatic, which gives you the best of both worlds. Seems like Ford is taking the lead on this in moderately priced cars, their "power-shift" is the only auto trans in the Fiesta and I believe this will also be the case for the new Focus. Not sure why VW is falling behind and only offering this on the upgraded versions of their cars.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I am fully aware of the DSG xmission. It is really an automatic-manual. It uses 2 clutches to swap between enguaged gears.

    A DSG can *match* a well-shifted manual... I feel it is impossible to do better than that.

    HOWEVER: The cost, complexity and reliability of DSG can never even approach the simplicity and bulletproof reliability of a manual xmission.

    Why -o- Why would I even consider paying nearly $1000 extra for a xmission that requires costly maintainance and will likey break before 200,000 miles?
  • katietttkatiettt Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2010
    My son has a 1998 or 1999 VW Jetta wolfberg manual transmission. It goes into reverse hard, and then makes a loud bang and pops out of gear. Linkage or transmission? also, I have been seeing things about adding transmission fluid to a manual transmission. I thought there wasn't fluid in a manual.

    Thanks ahead for any help.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    My kid had a 1996 and had to hold the shifter to keep it from popping out in reverse. He did this for a couple years and recently sold it as is. He said this was due to a common problem with the manual that eventually can lead to no reverse gear.

    The brake fluid reservoir may supply fluid to the transmission, too...seemed strange to me, but supposedly that was the set up on my kid's '96.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Could be a lot of things. If the clutch is worn, he might not actually be all the way into reverse gear, and hence the violent disengagement. Sometimes having difficulty going into reverse is the first sign of a wearing clutch.

    It could also have something to do with loose transaxle/motor mounts, or it could be, as you say, a linkage issue.

    The worst case scenario is bent/damaged shifting forks in the transmission itself.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    You said ==> "I thought there wasn't fluid in a manual."

    Are you serious? A transmission is full of bearings and gears. Without lubricant, it would burn up in about 10 miles.

    The entire insides of a transmission (either Manual or automatic) is bathed in fluid to lubricate all the moving parts. Of course, due to the design differences, the type of fluid is different for each of them.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    You said ==> "The brake fluid reservoir may supply fluid to the transmission, too...seemed strange to me, but supposedly that was the set up on my kid's '96. "

    Careful here... VW shares the HYDROLIC FLUID between the brakes and the clutch... but this is not the same the xmission-fluid inside the xmission which lubricates the moving parts.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Ah, thanks for the explanation, that makes more sense. I had seen something or been told that brake fluid is also used by the manual transmission...thought it was strage as brake fluid did not seem like it would make a good lubricant.

    So it is just that it has a hydraulically activated clutch (just like the hydraulically activated brakes)?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Correct, the hydraulic clutch shares fluid resivour with the Brake master-cylinder.
  • 03_jetta_18t03_jetta_18t Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2010
    My 2003 Jetta 1.8T has about 81,000 miles on it. Just the other day it started giving difficulty with 3rd gear. It is harder to put into 3rd gear and will also pop out of gear. Occassionaly it has a similar problem with 1st or 5th gear, but there are no problems with 2nd or 4th gears. Also, after taking the car out of reverse, the gear knob will stay depressed instead of popping back up unless I wiggle the shifter a couple times.

    I have been told that possibly I am having problems with the gear syncros, but I am wondering if that's truly what's going on or if it's something else. Also, I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar problems.

    I know that I am probably going to need to take it to a transmission shop, however I am hesistant to go in without some background knowledge first. I really don't want to be told it needs unnessary repairs and end up with a very large repair bill.

    Thanks for any help or advice that anyone has.
  • billpaulbillpaul Member Posts: 103
    MPG of automatics equals or exceeds mpg of manuals when the automatics have taller gearing. Otherwise, manual wins. Many manufacturers consider the manual version of a car to be a sporty version in which acceleration, not mpg, is the priority. That is why many manual versions have lower mpg. Also, there are many tricks to driving with a manual that yields even higher mpg.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Perhaps, but we are limited to the gear ratios that the manufacturer chooses to use.
  • gsmith11gsmith11 Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking at buying a 2002 Jetta GLS. It's in great shape, but is slow going into reverse when it's cold. Is this something that could be fixed easily or should I be worried the transmission is going out?
  • michaelt7michaelt7 Member Posts: 1
    DO NOT BUY THAT CAR!!! I created an account just to reply to your post, so I hope you get this in time. I bought the same vehicle a year ago and shortly thereafter I started to have trouble getting it into reverse. Things started getting worse a couple months ago, and now it won't shift past 2nd gear. The dealership has advised that it needs a new transmission and quoted me $4200. So again, please do not buy this car. If you've already purchased it, SELL IT NOW!!!
  • katietttkatiettt Member Posts: 2
    well, I guess I know that there is fluid, but I never worried about adding any for a manual transmission. There is not dip stick to check the fluid for a manual, at least in my experience.
  • thedude13thedude13 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2011
    I got a 2006 jetta 2.5 with 86000 miles. when I start to move from a dead stop the transmission slames into first and makes a clunking sound feels like its sloppy but shifts fine through the rest of the gears and it also slips a little in 2nd gear before the car warms up I also have 18" tall custome wheels on it i wonder if the big wheels trashed the transmission. any ideas besides selling the car
  • ricky39ricky39 Member Posts: 1
    I have a VW jetta 2000 I recently replaced the transmission and the car ran good for about two months and all of a sudden it started having trouble shifting gears. It shifts gears but it changes from first to second while going about 35 with 400 RPM.

    Does anyone know what i can do in order to fix this problem.
  • spotlitekidspotlitekid Member Posts: 2
    same thing happened to my 99 jetta, first try better gas. that solved most of my problems. at least 89 octane.. before i did that a few things helped. the main thing was the harness wires going into the transmission..but just try the gas first..let me know if the gas works for u!

    Mitch
  • jaker7jaker7 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 Jetta with 102k miles. I started it this morning and put it in reverse. It didn't move so I put it in drive and again it didn't move. It's as though it never leaves park or is in neutral, no movement whatsoever. My wife mentioned she noticed something similar while driving it last night. Otherwise I have had absolutely no previous problems. It would seem to be an electrical or computer problem but I have no mechanical smarts so I'm only guessing. Anyone have any idea what the problem might be? Thanks!
  • norasdadnorasdad Member Posts: 1
    we have similar troubles ..to check fluid have to pull plug on side of tranny ..but ours was checked and it was fine ...flushed tranny and still got probs ,,,... tranny has known valve body issues.. about a $650 part..plus labor and whatever
  • lolabelle89lolabelle89 Member Posts: 1
    I owned a 2003 Jetta for the past four years. Over the past few months I noticed that when I would put it in drive that it would jerk really bad. Then it started doing it really bad when I was driving. I traded it in for a Honda Civic on Saturday after we found out on Friday that we would need a new transmission that would be $4000. I only got $4900 for trading it in so I was glad I didn't put the money in it. I was wondering if anyone else had problems with their 2003 Jetta.
  • alicia10alicia10 Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2011
    I have a 2004 and had to have my solenoids replaced as it was not the transmission causing the 2nd gear and reverse issues. Here's a link to research I did before taking my car to the shop. They didn't believe me so I printed and took this with me.

    http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1474034-Automatic-Transmission-DIY\FAQ- -
  • ksen1ksen1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I would really appreciate help. I have 2000 Jetta VR6 GLX with 104k on it. I bought this vehicle a couple of months back. Recently it has started to behave oddly by sometimes not shifting the gears, I have to press the gas harder and then it suddenly starts with a jerk. I get a rattling sound when its between 2000 and 3000 rpm just before it shifts to a higher gear. I don't know what the problem is but it seems very unsafe to drive the car.

    Do you suggest to get the timing chain and tensioners replaced or would it be better to replace the engine with a new one. How much would a new engine cost, I would go for a manual trans with a lower config.

    Thanks,
    Kunal
  • flip89flip89 Member Posts: 1
    Is it wise to trade a 2001 automatic Ford Focus that has 113,000 miles for a 2002 manual Volkswagen Jetta that has 100,000?
  • cacspautocacspauto Member Posts: 4
    edited April 2011
    I am done with SUV and low gas mileage , but need the cargo space , safety features and perfomance. I have fallen for the TDI sportswagon jetta with the DSG transmission. A VW mechanic told me to be wary of the Triptronic made in Japan to get the ones done in Europe. The transmission in the TDI is made in Germany yes ? I am on a budget and cannot afford heavy maintenance repairs . I want to make a change from gas guzzlers but am not ready for hybrids so i want diesel engine to travel long distances. Is the Audi stationwagon better investmente because it will break down less ?
    VW do not have a good maintenance reputation ,, the jetta ,, but maybe because it is not the diesel. The fact that they are put together in Puebla Mexico has something to do with its repair prone history ? what about the the recommended changing of the oll at 5k instead of 10 k because of some mechanical dysfunction I read in the forum ??
    A woman here who needs a station wagon and wants fuel economy . Should I buy the the wagon or not ,, have they improved from their bad reputation four years ago with their electrical system
    HELP ! thanks !
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think the TDI is an excellent choice but personally, I'm not so sure the DSG is the way to go. If you can drive, or learn, a manual transmission, you'll be a lot happier in the long run I think. Just because something is brilliant doesn't mean it's reliable for the long haul. DSG problems have not been prolific at all, but when they DO happen, if you're not in warranty, you're going to take a huge hit on repairs.

    If you could conceive of ditching the car while it was still in warranty, you might go DSG, because it works really well, but if you are planning on a 10 year ownership, I myself think it's a roll of the dice.

    I don't see buying an Audi as in any way increasing your advantages.

    DSG RECALL
  • cacspautocacspauto Member Posts: 4
    thank you for your feedback. I have been reading about the transmission issues. I was not clear whether the TDI DSG are made in Japan or not although the sticker says Transmission Germany .
    I have owned manuals most of my life , BMW 2002, Jeep Cherokee, CRV and then succumbed to automatic with the Highlander Limited I had to sell due to accident so this optional DSG seemed a like a happy return to " them days LOL " . My knees hurt when i drove the manual Jetta SpW TDI so I was not encouraged . But now what is really making not go for the Wagon is the CR very low reliability rating of the fuel system . The Golf TDI has better ratings. Do you know Why the sportwagon has such low ratings for the fuel system ? is the oil change frequency that one should do it at 5k instead of 10 k as recommended by VW ? the ' regenerating whatever " that needs to take place so the engine does not clog up ??
    The truth of the matter is that now I am between the Golf TDI and the Honda Fit which so much cheaper to repair and has good gas mileage , at least above 30 and is small and retains resale value so that perhaps I can buy a VW TDI sportwagon a few years when they get their fuel system act together.
    I want the diesel to enjoy cruising around more than city driving which I am not doing much these days . You are right , other posts allude that repair in Manual transmissions are less expensive ,, but the TDI manual transmission are made in Germany ? the whole thing or just part of it ?? I will try driving a manual tomorrow. I am just concerned that the fuel system and the Mexican Tortilla assembly is not reliable LOL ..
    thanks a mill
    cacspauto
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited April 2011
    Here's info on the fuel pump issues:
    TDI HPFP PROBLEMS

    I don't think that where the car/components are built has anything to do with their reliability except as it relates to management, not workers--and management problems can occur anywhere in the world.
  • cacspautocacspauto Member Posts: 4
    Thank you for the TDI article. After reading your Manual recommendation I went today to get back into a Golf and SPW. I love the DSG I must admit but $ considerations are important since I would want to keep the car for minimum 5 years and max 10 . I found that the Golf clutch experience is okay versus the SPW has a longer reach and the required pressure angle of my knee starts to hurt a bit . But I most definitely could handle the golf TDI but nobody seems to have any around perhaps because again there is news about the fuel system ? in the recent Bloomber article . ??
    thanks for your help I really appreciate it. With the fuel system probs would you recommend I go Subaru Forester or Honda Fit ? and wait for better perfomance ? I am so undecided , because I love the mileage in the TDI , and classy interiors ! cacspauto
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well I'm not going to tell you what to buy. You should buy the car you like the most because you'll be living with it a while. I'd choose the TDI for myself because I think the Honda Fit is getting long in the tooth, is kinda pokey in acceleration and just isn't the front-runner it used to be---still, its a very useful and well-thought out car. The Subaru Forester strikes me as also yesterday's news, and it simply does not have the build quality of the VW.

    I figure, what with a warranty and the Lemon Buyback laws, I'm personally willing to roll the dice on the TDI.

    But that's just me. You may be more risk-averse than I am.
  • cacspautocacspauto Member Posts: 4
    Mr. Shiftright ,
    I do not understand how I missed this in the TDI forum because I researched the Spw with regular keywords , problems in this Forum and nothing of the fuel pump came up . Now thanks to your lead I found the entire detailed thread about this problem ! True that after reading CR and read fuel system problems I did not fuel system as a key word.. Oh well.. I think I am not going to buy this car yet .. what a shame but how do I find out that VW is actually doing something about it and since the NHTHSa is still investigating as of Feb 2011 ?
    thanks
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