1999 Volkswagen Jetta Car does not switch gears.

TREYDEE3

MEMBER
1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
125,800 MILES

For about a year or so I have noticed my transmission slipping, especially as I am slowing the car down, going down a hill, or after going up a hill, the car kicks back in gear. (Violent gear shift). Also the car would shake on occasion while in drive but smooth out as I begin driving (not sure if related). Most recently, as I was driving on the freeway and I began to slow the car down due to traffic my car performed that violent shift and my car would no longer shift gears. It's like I am only driving in the 1st or 2nd gear. The car does not go any faster than 25mph before the RPM's start getting overworked. I was told it could be a lack of transmission fluid but unfortunately VW for the most part have a sealed transmission. What is your take on this?

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there.

Thank you for the donation,

This transmission is in need of some attention, I only hope that it is not to late, the fact that you have been driving it with a problem for so long is a worry, when the transmission is slipping, the oil is over heating and material from the clutch packs are being deposited into the oil and going through the system, the filter can only handle so much and muck can make its way into the valve body, this is like the brain of the transmission, I would get this to a transmission specialist ASAP and I hope that it is not to late for you to get it fixed with out requiring a new transmission.

Mark (mhpautos)