Problem occurred in June 2013 after "routine" servicing at 170,000 miles in March. Started as a "Check Engine" light warning and severe downshifting issue to 1st gear when coasting to stop, sometimes as fast 30 mph. Became an overall 1st - 2nd gear issue mid summer. When cold in warm weather, will not shift until about 4000 ERPM unless allowed to "warm up for about 15 minutes before driving. Shifting ok after that. During this winter, MUST allow warmup time of at least 30 minutes before driving, otherwise will not shift at all from 1st gear. Still shifts OK once up to temperature. Have had two VW dealers and 3 certified reputable transmission service centers investigate issue. All say transmission replacement required. Cost approx. $6K. HOWEVER, a reliable local "mom and pop" auto repair center has told me that replacement most likely not necessary and is confident that repairs can be done for less than $2K. Working on setting aside $6K, however, should the attempt fail. In the meantime, have devised work arounds that allow me to continue to drive it (now at 194,000 miles) in its current condition without jeopardizing safety and reliability. Issue must be resolved before emissions testing come due in 15 months because "Check Engine" fault cannot be cleared because of transmission issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Problem occurred in June 2013 after "routine" servicing at 170,000 miles in March. Started as a "Check Engine" light warning and severe downshifting issue to 1st gear when coasting to stop, sometimes as fast 30 mph. Became an overall 1st - 2nd gear issue mid summer. When cold in warm weather, will not shift until about 4000 ERPM unless allowed to "warm up for about 15 minutes before driving. Shifting ok after that. During this winter, MUST allow warmup time of at least 30 minutes before driving, otherwise will not shift at all from 1st gear. Still shifts OK once up to temperature. Have had two VW dealers and 3 certified reputable transmission service centers investigate issue. All say transmission replacement required. Cost approx. $6K. HOWEVER, a reliable local "mom and pop" auto repair center has told me that replacement most likely not necessary and is confident that repairs can be done for less than $2K. Working on setting aside $6K, however, should the attempt fail. In the meantime, have devised work arounds that allow me to continue to drive it (now at 194,000 miles) in its current condition without jeopardizing safety and reliability. Issue must be resolved before emissions testing come due in 15 months because "Check Engine" fault cannot be cleared because of transmission issue.
- Robert G., Salem, CT, US