98 Beetle automatic transmission issue

[vendo44]

My daughter and I just bought our first beetle. Everything looks good so far except it has a transmission issue (which we were aware of when we bought but we think we still got a good deal).

First off, its driveable. Sometimes though, theres a shudder when it shifts. For instance when braking, and the tranny automatically downshifts, theres a shudder that jerks the car.

The previous owner said its worse when its cold. Sometimes its more pronounced and can even stall the car.

They took it to a couple of mechanics who felt that it is the torque converter that is the issue.

Any thoughts to whether it might be this or any other potential issue? I want to locate some part and get ready to work on it so would like to know what the range of possibilities is.

Thanks for your thoughts and help!

[Nicefeet]

I would head over to the transmission forum on this site and VWVortex. Start reading up on the 01M.

Little warning if it needs a trans, plan on shelling out $4k plus to fix it.

VW really screwed up with this trans with stupid extended service intervals.

With that said I’d take a well-maintained 01M over any Chrysler FWD automatic.

[vendo44]

Thanks, I didn't scroll down far enough to see the tranny forum, I posted it there as well. Thanks!