transmission problems

1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
150,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AUTOMATIC
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HELLAFLUFFY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My car has the 2.0 4 engine. recently drive has stopped working along with third shift.

I am not sure if it just needs transmission fluid or I need to replace the transmission itself. I have been running on it on second gear for about three months and nothing has happened so far with it, still runs smoothly. Please help! I have been using it for work only (about a two hour drive four times a week) but I miss going on the freeways and visiting friends.
Feb 7, 2017 at 4:39 PM
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LOU P
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 118 POSTS
Hello, the most common failure within the Volkswagen transmissions is either the valve body or the solenoids that control the shifting and gears. most likely you have a check engine light on and a code for the transmission failure. if you can get the codes read with a scan tool that can read Volkswagen cars specifically then you can return here and I can tell you the most probable cause .
Feb 7, 2017 at 5:17 PM
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HELLAFLUFFY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I will let you know the codes tomorrow, thank you so much for replying!
Feb 7, 2017 at 5:18 PM
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LOU P
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 118 POSTS
No problem, it is very important that the codes come from the transmission module as the engine module will have a code, but it will be a vague description of the transmission fault . You need to access a scan tool like the OEM Volkswagen tool or a high end snap on or Matco scanner , there are a few others but it cannot be a "obd 2" scanner as those generally only read engine modules . Best way to describe it is if it is like a laptop that is good if it's like a game-boy or cell phone that is bad. :)
Feb 7, 2017 at 5:23 PM