1997 Jetta GL hard shifting

I bought a 97 jetta GL auto transmission about 2 months ago with 92,000KM on it. I noticed now that the transmission having problems shifting. It would hang for a while at 25rpm ( at 40kmh) and then shift hard into the next gear and rpm return to 20. The same will happen at 60 Km speed. Is this a sign of major transmission problem or idle or timing setting or anyother small problem.
Any comments or suggestion would be appreciated.
Tetris

Check the tranny fluid to see if it's a redish colour still. Blackish fluid is bad. Also, smell it to detect any burnt odors. Check the tranny fluid level to make sure it's in the operating range with the engine running and in park.

I would try a tranny oil change first to see if that might help things. It could be some sensors that are out of whack or possibly something more serious. If you have gotten stuck in snow and tried the back and forth rocking too long, that can fry a tranny pretty quick.

Originally Posted by tetris

I bought a 97 jetta GL auto transmission about 2 months ago with 92,000KM on it. I noticed now that the transmission having problems shifting. It would hang for a while at 25rpm ( at 40kmh) and then shift hard into the next gear and rpm return to 20. The same will happen at 60 Km speed. Is this a sign of major transmission problem or idle or timing setting or anyother small problem.
Any comments or suggestion would be appreciated.
Tetris

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you should have the valve body check which is a problem for golf/jettas 95-99 auto,have known buddies had the same problem which run into big bucks, can gave u more advice if u need......also can u advise me how to do a new post here ??? can't find a way of doing it, i can only replies...thanks

The clutches/bands are worn inside the tranny.

It's slipping pretty bad - the longer you wait, the worse it'll get until one day it won't shift.

Ditto, get that looked at quick, there is definitely some debris in there from the hard shift.

The cheaper route i would go with...is get your transmission flushed, pressured tested and put some better fluid in...like AMSOIL ATF, that may clear up the problem and go from there.

Get that over with soon, unless you want a tow fee tacked on as well.

Originally Posted by TrevorK

The clutches/bands are worn inside the tranny.

It's slipping pretty bad - the longer you wait, the worse it'll get until one day it won't shift.

Thanx for the advise. I do not know( couldn't find) where is the transmission fluid gauge. One of my friends told me that most of VW models have little hard shifting. I do not have any problem with reverse gear. Should I take the car to VW dealer or canadian tire will look after it?
Pedroo: If u wanna start a new thread, just look at the top left corner for new thread icon in the home page of any topic section like motor vehicles & accessories.
Tetris

To check, find the transmission fluid dip-stick...it should be similar to the one you check your oil with, except it's a different colour handle to distinguish it. Get a white paper towel and check the colour as HunkaHunkaBurningLove suggested. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) should be candy red...kinda like cherry cough syrup...if its brown or even darker they you need to change. If it's 95,000 kms...then there is a chance the previous owner neglected it, ATF fluid should be changed around 50-75k

As for where you take it...i wouldn't go to Canadian Tire. I'm personally hesitant on going to the dealer myself, but that's your call. I would find a transmission place, because thats all they really do. I think the yellow pages actually has a specific section separate from automotive stuff.

Originally Posted by tetris

Thanx for the advise. I do not know( couldn't find) where is the transmission fluid gauge. One of my friends told me that most of VW models have little hard shifting. I do not have any problem with reverse gear. Should I take the car to VW dealer or canadian tire will look after it?
Pedroo: If u wanna start a new thread, just look at the top left corner for new thread icon in the home page of any topic section like motor vehicles & accessories.
Tetris

If you get the fluid changed, make sure to change the filter.

It's possible to change/flush the tranny without changing the filter. And some shops will do that. But you'll still have **** floating around.

There is no dipstick on the Jetta III auto tranny as it is a sealed unit. It uses a special synthetic fluid. I have mine changed every 60 to 80k an my mechanic changes the filter and bottom gasket at the same time. It is a dealer or a vw specialist operation. No other fluids can be used or the tranny will be ruined (according to my mechanic). My car shifts perfectly after each change. I have almost 250k on my 98.

Hope this helps.

My 96 Passat GLX has the same issue but that it only happens in the first 5 minutes or so of driving and only when it goes from first into second or something like that. It has been happening for over a year - progressively getting worse and worse. It is still drivable.

I too have been told that my tranny is sealed and takes the expensive $60 or $60 per liter fluid. I don't think it has ever been changed since everyone tells me it does not need to be changed.

Maybe I should change it.
Where is the best place to change?\Any recommendations in the Mississauga area?

Z

I took my 97 Jetta to Mister Transmission today, they did a road test and multimeter and computer scan. Their computer software was not compatible and advise me to take the car to a dealer. The transmission fluid was OK. They also told me that its nothing to do with the fluid. What u guys think , should I take it to dealer, or any other transmission shop, or keep it running until the problem get worst? Any advise would be appreciated.
Tetris

i'd say dealer. I dont know why they'd need to scan it, I guess to check the sensors.

you're better off checking now and saving money, or knowing you can still use it for a while without issue then waiting and having to pay a shitload later.

Any idea how much do they charge for scanning.
Tetris

You may find that using oil additives will improve the shifting. LucasOil makes a good transmission fix additive.

You might want to post at www.vwvortex.com
Post in the Jetta III forum and you should get a fairly quick response.

I have a 97 Jetta too, but it's a five speed and fairly easy to change the tranny fluid.