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If the fluid's good and the transmission tests as defective, that's a tough call for you, as the cost of repair may or may not be justified vis a vis the value/condition of the car.
I drove it on the highway and it was as it once was a perfect ride, but once I went back onto the street and turned the corner the car stalled. I would like to know what and where I can go to get this repaired. I would like to sell it but who will buy it. Once they test drive it they will see how bad it is.
My stepson just purchased a 1998 VW Jetta w/auto trans. It has shifting problems
often called "hiccuping". Has anyone had this problem?? Is there anything he can do.?
It only has 85,000 miles on it. The mechanic where he bought it is pulling his hair out. The check engine light comes on but he can't find the code, that is listed. Need some help here. Thank you.
Stepdude
Yes, your transmission is controlled by both hydraulic and electronic systems, so it is possible you have an electronics issue. If you knew the code #, I could tell you more.
I did dump in some fuel injection cleaner. I think it was just some water in the gas.
Anyway, the light went off before I got my scanner out of the toolbox the next day.
VW owners who are real DIY types should get a VAG COM.
One would think that the entity providing the transmission would know this?
Frustrated in Rhode Island
Ours was having harsh/rough upshifts particularly 1-2 and 2-3. It was particularly noticeable when going uphill. When the dealer checked it out, one thing I remember that they said was it was shifting way too early.
Ours has been super smooth ever since. I think it is the smoothest automatic I have ever driven. I wish my Mazda6 transmission was as nice and smooth as our VW is.
One thing I did find out from my Service Department Manager that I thought was interesting on the concept of "Codes". She said that it was extremely difficult for the computure to diagnose a transmission issue. It generally does not post a code for a problem until there is a complete failure. Transmissions are a matter of "feel" and that the service tech or manager had to take a drive to actually sense the problem. It was at least a validation of why there was no "Code" showing what I sensed to be a problem with my transmission. Good luck.
Dealer Denial but working on it.....
I beleive the VR6 engine has COP (Coil on plug) and those coils are notorious for going bad. (There was even a recall at one point) Luckally, you can replace each of the 6 COP units seperately as they are deemed bad. (Instead of replacing a very expensive coil which serves all 6 cylinders.)
Once you determine which of the 6 cylinders is "skipping", you can swap that COP unit with another one... .if the problem moves to the other cylinder, then you have successfully isolated a bad COP unit.
$80 list price + .7 of one hour labor.
You can start when you push the clutch pedal down because you are activating the clutch safety switch, which is not dependent on the cable.
it had always clicked a bit when in reverse, but recently, its grinding, and kicking a bit when in reverse. the forward gears are fine..
a. does the manual transmission need fluids level checks? if so where do i check it ?
b. do transmissions ger 'replaced' or 'repaired' typically, if so which is better?
c. about how much [approx.] would something like this cost?
thanks
m
a: You can check the level of the fluid on manual xmission. It is typically done by removing a screw-in "plug" and making sure that the fluid within is barely trickling out. (filled up to the level of the plug)
b: It is possible to 'rebuild' a manual xmission and replace individual components. Typiclly, on a 1997, you might find it cheaper to replace entire unit with good used xmission. (I dont think you need to consider either of these yet)
c: Cost! The bottom line! You would get more accurate answer by simply opening a phonebook and making some phone calls to reputible shops.
From your description, it sounds as if somone may have "jammed" the xmisison into reverse and damaged the reverse gears at some point... this is just a guess. You really need to get more details on what the noise is. You may chose to 'live with it' and continue to drive. It may last for the rest of the vehicles life.
The manual Xmissions in VWs are historically very, VERY reliable if they are treated with respect. I have driven a total of nearly a million miles on VW manual xmissions over the years with never EVER a problem. (nor wearing out a clutch!)
He got one estimate from a transmission shop of around $900 to repair, or maybe it was replacement with rebuilt trans.
m
If you still have warranty, get it to the dealer. Leave it overnight so they can check it first thing in the morning, that's when it is at its worst.