Shifting problems in 05 Beetle (automatic transmission)

[thetwins]

Hello everyone!

A few months ago, my 05 Beetle started to jerk when I would put on the brakes and sometimes when I would step on the gas. I called the VW dealership and the guy said that it was normal for VW's to do that when they are about 4 years old. I didn't really understand how it could be normal, but I just left it as it was. It got a little it worse over time, but not much. About 2 months ago, I accidently ran over a cement block which caused my transmission pan to get dented. I had that fixed and since then my car has been having shifting problems. When the car gets warmed up (after driving if for about 15 minutes or so), it will get stuck in a gear and the engine will rev for a bit then jerk roughly into gear. I recently took my car in to get it looked at. The mechanic wasn't sure what the problem could be, but he noticed that the car was low on transmission fluid and that a piece in that area was bent and sort of melted or something (that piece had to be fixed in order to change the fluid). So, he fixed that, but the car still has the same problem. When I drove it home after getting that piece fixed, the problem seemed liked it was worse than before. When the engine was revving, the check engine light came on (it was yellow) and the drive, park, reverse, etc initials each had brackets around them, instead of just the drive ( [D] ). So, a few days later, I took my car to a transmission shop now. At first, they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Then they hooked it up to their computer and found a problem in the 4th gear. The mechanic isn't sure what the problem is, so in order to find out, he has to rebuild the transmission. So, even if that ends up not being the problem, I would still have to pay for the rebuild. I cannot afford to pay for the trans to be rebuilt. So, I was just wondering, should I try to save money to get the trans fixed? Is it worth it? Could it be caused from something else other than the transmission? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Krissy

[KatieScarlet]

My 2004 beetle has the EXACT same problem.
I took it to a shop called The Bug House, and he said it was an electrical issue, that he couldn't handle it because he doesn't work with electrical issues, to take it to a dealership.
He said the Chip could be bad and need to be replaced, and that since I hadn't been driving it with the transmission jerking, that my transmission might be saved from damage.

[garage240]

HI mine has same fault after being damaged,new sump and oil change but still the same, anybody had a fix for this problem?

[lakebeetle]

I am having exactly the same problem with the automatic transmission in my 04 new-beetle. And, the dealership also indicated that this was to be expected. Their price to repair is $5k+ which is approaching the value of the car, so now they want us to buy a 2010. I am taking it to an ASE certified repair shop on Tuesday to see if they can do better. Hopefully, they can fix it for less than $3k so that I can justify keeping it. (I have gotten attached to it.) ( - :

[Omarshmallow]

I have an 04 convertible beetle and have the EXACT same problem! I just got a letter in the mail from VW saying if your car is experiencing that problem to take it in and get it fixed for free. So I did, took the day off from work, got there and then they tell me that my car doesn't have the warranty -_- and now I'm here.

Thanks VW -_-

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by Omarshmallow

I have an 04 convertible beetle and have the EXACT same problem! I just got a letter in the mail from VW saying if your car is experiencing that problem to take it in and get it fixed for free. So I did, took the day off from work, got there and then they tell me that my car doesn't have the warranty -_- and now I'm here.

Thanks VW -_-

I'm assuming you are referring to the letter shown as a .pdf file in Post #8 of this thread. Read thru the thread...
Tiptronic Auto - VW Extended Warranty

Are they telling you the car doesn't have the warranty because the time or mileage has expired?

[sledge0001]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

I'm assuming you are referring to the letter shown as a .pdf file in Post #8 of this thread. Read thru the thread...
Tiptronic Auto - VW Extended Warranty

Are they telling you the car doesn't have the warranty because the time or mileage has expired?

I would take it with the letter to another dealer. They have to fix it as per VW. If not call VW directly and make a formal complaint.

[Ifeeltheneed4speed]

I keep seeing the same posts over and over again for the same issues.
Possible causes for the transmission slip....
#1 low trans fluid/WRONG FLUID/degraded fluid
Solution, search the forums on how to check/change fluid (only use OEM fluid PERIOD!$9-$15)The trans filler pipe is right below the starter (look for the red cap). You can stick a clean plastic straw in the hole to see what your fluid looks like. ALWAYS BLACK, should be almost clear/yellowish. If your new fluid is not light yellow, you have the wrong fluid!
The #2 cause is a stuck valve/s in the transmission valve body, caused by worn trans fluid/dirty fluid. Solution, remove and replace or send in for a rebuild (reliable shop)
#3 Transmission speed sensor ($35 new) easy fix!
#4 I beleive the main cause for all the trouble is the transmission control module (computer for the trans). This little bad boy is hiding behind the passenger side of dash.
I would try all of these prior to buying a new/used transmission! E-bay is a good place to start! If it does'nt fix your problem, resell or work something out with the seller you bought it from. EVERY part on your vehicle has a part number on it. Just type it in and let your fingers do all the work!
I wanted to mention one other thing.....
If the battery was ever removed/dead for a long period of time, the transmission may need reprogramed!
Good luck people!