auto tranny having trouble shifting

[co-ed_bug]

Let me start off by asking for your forgiveness and patience - I do not know much about cars, so my questions will probably seem very ignorant.

First off, is there no way to check my transmission fluid? My owner's manual makes absolutely no mention of it. And if it's not transmission fluid, what is the small black dipstick near the battery? It doesn't seem to be labeled.

Second, my transmission seems to suddenly be stuck in 3rd gear. If I put it in drive, it starts and stays in 3rd. I can manually move it through 1st to 2nd to 3rd, but once I hit 3rd, it stays there. I have this naive hope that it's just low tranny fluid. Am I in deep trouble here? What are the possible causes?

Thank you!

P.S. It's a 2002 New Beetle TDi, automatic transmission, 80,000 miles.

[mezonesxbox]

HI! unfortantely you fall into the "Life Time transmission" category. Considering you have 80,000 miles and probably never did a transmission fluid change you now might need a new transmission..:(

I know it sucks but thats the fate every new beetle owner will face someday. The "life time transmission" is junk. The dealer says "dont touch your tranny its life time, period" although true many people have changed the fluid themselves. It is possible against the dealers word it can be done. I would try changing the fluid and see what happens if not you need a new tranny that goes for 8,000.00 + labor. I hate the dealers because as soon as you mention transmission they send you to the parts department. I called one dealer that did the service for $450.00 as a precautionary before buying a new tranny but i dont know if we can trust them.

Here is a guide from an unknown author:
11731

PorkChop also has a great guide, i think its in the "how to" section of the forum. Also ask Marvins Dad he reposted it sometime ago. These guys are great with NB's and should help a lot.

Good Luck
:rockband: :guitar: :bash: :shoot: :banghead:

[ReeceK]

Computer has put trans in limp mode 3rd gear only. You need to go and get trans a diagnostic to find out what is wrong. Could be electrical or mechanical

[loopandjump]

My gf car (03 GLS Auto) jerk sometimes. There is a sound like "thud" when up shifting.Transmision fluid has been changed 5k ago.(dealer did it for me)

[NYBugman]

Your first step should be to scan the car with a vagcom and find out if it is throwing any codes.

When you drive, does you car run up through the gears and just not go into 4th or does it start from 3rd? Limp mode will lock you into hydraulic 3rd and you will not be able to shift up or down. If you have some sort of manual control then I don't think you have a limp mode situation, plus limp mode is usually temporary and goes away when you turn the car off and back on.

Have VW or a trusted mechanic familiar with sealed system transmissions change your fluid. You do not need to use VW/Pentosin fluid if you are having the trans fully flushed. I run Amsoil fluid in my trans and a friend runs it in his 5-speed tiptronic trans and we feel that our cars feel better with the Amsoil than the factory fluid. If all the old fluid is not going to be flushedm, then use the VW/Pentosin fluid.