Harsh Downshifts

[mspastrygurl]

OMGosh my beetle is doing the same thing and everyone thinks Im crazy....Until finally one day my dad was driving with me to APtuning and he felt the hard shifting. He thought it might be a loose hose or even my transmission. So I took it too Bertolet cause I dont deal with Vision and I live 5min from Vision and I had the car in for an hour and they couldnt find anything wrong because the engine was hot and they couldnt check my transmission. So they cleared whatever they clear and thought that would make my problem disapper but it didnt and within 2 day the car was shifing hard from 4th gear on the downshift to 3rd so I took the car back and left it overnight. The next day all they found was that I over a quart low on transmission fluid and said that may solve the problem but if it comes back its prolly something major. Well long story short it came back and I was talking to the service guy and I told him Im not getting rid of the beetle I have less then 4 payments on the car and I wanna start modding it hahaha.
But now my beetle shifts hard between 2nd to third and then it still downshifts hard.....Honestly Im just dealing with the issue, cause it only does it some days....Mybe it is the valve body I could replace that but 2grand holey moley I might as well just save up for a new transmission.....I hope you fix your problem and if you do I may try what you do to fix mine


SOrry my post is a novel

[sickwithabug]

Well time for an update....although I am reluctant to say this but for right now....No harsh shifting at all...ok I said it....with my fingers crossed! We did another fluid change...no filter this time just fluid..I am still thinking that since my harsh downshifts only happen once the trans gets warm and fluid thins out that if I could just come up with a thicker fluid or an additive that would thicken this OEM Vdug fluid up a bit that this wouldn't be a problem for us anymore...mine, when there is a issue...like I said right now I am find...but mine had a harsh downshift but only when the trans got warm...when it was cold...this thing shifted perfectly EVERY STINKING TIME!! So trans gets hot, fluid thins out, car shifts harshly and slips a bit..no much but a lil......So does ANYONE know of an additive that is SAFE for these damn Vdub Tip Trans...anyone?? I talked to Lucas Oil Co and they said I can use Trans Additive...NO TRANS Fix...Trans additive and it may help but it is safe for it...I have some but want to hear of someone else putting something in there as an additive before I do it......

[purduecmpe]

How about an update? All fixed... 2004 Beetle conv. with same issue: Harsh downshifts from 4->3 and 3->2 only when warmed up...

[sanjosebeetlebug]

Hi - I'm new to this forum and have read your thread, same story here, 04 automatic turbo, OK cold, when warmed up hard shifts - up and down - this should be unacceptable for all who own a 6 year old car. Should I get new fluid/filter? Any update? Lots of talk about a new transmission, never hear if the new transmission works any better???? Also, does the new value fix it????

[sickwithabug]

I haven't tried any additives yet but trans is much better

[sanjosebeetlebug]

OK, I'm going to change trans fluid and filter, will let you know how it goes.

[purduecmpe]

Just had the oil, filter, gasket changed for harsh downshifts... So far, so good... Pray for my black beauty!

[sanjosebeetlebug]

How much did they charge for the service and what state are you located in?

[purduecmpe]

Texas, 399.95 for the service... Includes new filter, gasket, and fluid... I had it done at the dealership.

[sickwithabug]

well I hate to say it but the harsh shifting is back again....onto trying an additive to the trans fluid...I know I know but it's the last resort but now I need some advice on WHAT additive and in the next 24 hours....so ANYONE with a positive outcome to putting an additive that helped with harsh shifting and shudder in these trans pleas speak up....or anyone with negitive outcomes you too please let me know....trans works perfectly when trans is cold and first 10 min of driving so tells me the fluid is thicker when cold and can hld pressure.....then when gets warm fluid thins out and can't....so an additive that thickens fluid should help in my oppinion....let me know

[uwharrie]

Had the exact same issues at 65,000 miles. Just had the valve body replaced ($1700) seems to have fixed the issues.
Mechanic said you know there is a big issue with something if the dealerships keep a $1200 part IN STOCK.

Maybe we should all get a class action suit going against VW, I mean it is pretty rediculous, It seems these valve bodies are destined to fail at about 70K miles.

As much as I love my car it has really soured me towards the NB and the VW company.

[sickwithabug]

ok had vw dealership check out trans and they said it is a faulty speed sensor...I asked if they could replace it and they said no it is internal and they would just replace trans....is there some way for me to have this speed sensor replaced? I can find out the code if you guys need it....

[purduecmpe]

That sounds ridiculous! Replacing the entire trans for a speed sensor?!?!

[DZLBUG]

Depends which speed sensor it is. There are a few, at least one of which are buried pretty deep in the trans IIRC. Best thing to do at this point is figure out exactly which sensor it is, because it could be an easy fix.

You're learning it now and it is worth remembering, VW dealers do not have your best interests in mind...and they seldom know what the heck they are talking about. Do yourself a favor and just stay away.

[Loosenutbehindthewheel]

^^Agree with staying away from that dealer. I took my transmission apart today, If there is a sensor on it that require's you to change the entire trans, I sure didnt't find it, and I totally tore down the entire trans.

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by Loosenutbehindthewheel

^^Agree with staying away from that dealer. I took my transmission apart today, If there is a sensor on it that require's you to change the entire trans, I sure didnt't find it, and I totally tore down the entire trans.

You have a 4 speed 01M. The OP has a 6 speed 09G tiptronic. Completely different units made by different manufacturers. The Mini Cooper and others use this transmission as well.

[Loosenutbehindthewheel]

I retract my previous statement about the transmission. As far as the staying away statement it still stand's.