2000 New beetle Auto trans stuck in 2nd gear

[manshoon]

I got a problem, long time lurker, first time poster, my new to me Beetle is stuck in second gear. It is a 4spd. Automatic, not triptronic, mated to a 1.8 turbo.

It will shift from 1st to 2nd with a clunk and stay in second, drives good in second , but you can see the indecater in every gear you switch to, but it wont shift from 2nd. Reverse is fine. Dealer thought limp mode, but I have nothing lit up on the dash how he described limp mode to me.

Any ideas ?

Time for a rebuild or is there soemthing I should check out first before replacing it.

Thank you for any help

[oceanjoe89]

some people get lucky with a fluid and filter change, but i'm sure DZLBUG will be right behind me to suggest the same thing and then bash the 4 speed autos and push for a 5 speed swap, and rightfully so for the most part

best of luck.

[manshoon]

I wish a 5spd was in my future, but it would most likely cost more in the end. Depending on what where and when I find a new or used or get this one figured out.

[Smileybug]

A 5-speed swap costs far less than an auto trans for these cars. And getting an auto used, you are just setting yourself up for another failure down the road. You're looking at probably $4k for an auto, $2.5k for a 5-speed swap.