AT feels slippy, dash indicator does not agree with shifter position

[gustagen]

My Mom has a 1998 gas Beetle, auto, 90k miles. We've noticed that sometimes when taking off from a stop the trans feels like it slips between 1st and 2nd. It also happens less frequently between 2nd and 3rd.

Yesterday it was acting up for me, so I put the shifter in 3, but the dash indicator still had D selected. I did about 20 miles of city driving like this and the car shifted through all 4 gears without issue. It did not "slip" at all.

I also put the shifter in 2 and 1, and noticed that the dash indicator did not always agree with the shifter's position.

I'm thinking that while the shifter is in D that the trans is jumping into N momentarily. The dash indicator does not move to N when the trans feels like it is slipping. We've noticed that the issue seems to happen most frequently during easy starts, less often if you're getting on the throttle.

Does it seem that the shifter cable needs adjustment? Thanks!


EDIT: Just found the following thread that suggests the shifter cable needs adjustment. I'll start there.

Automatic Transmission shifter problem

[gustagen]

Problem solved!

I followed the instructions in the above link. Loosened the silver 8mm bolt on top of the shifter cable, pulled the cable toward the rear of the car about 1/2", and re-tightened the bolt.

This has fixed the "slipping" from D to N during takeoff, and the dash gear indicator now matches the gear selector at the shifter.

It also fixed a problem we had with the trans taking too long to shift from R to D, like when backing out of a parking space.

[Nicoliae]

Would you being willing to take a picture of where this cable is located?

[llantolatino]

Originally Posted by gustagen

Problem solved!

I followed the instructions in the above link. Loosened the silver 8mm bolt on top of the shifter cable, pulled the cable toward the rear of the car about 1/2", and re-tightened the bolt.

This has fixed the "slipping" from D to N during takeoff, and the dash gear indicator now matches the gear selector at the shifter.

It also fixed a problem we had with the trans taking too long to shift from R to D, like when backing out of a parking space.

Please! HELP!
My beetle is doing the same and it BUGS me.
I dont know where any of this is located and dont know how to do it. If you can please send a pic of where it is located and directions on how to do it specifically, it would be sooo cool o you. I drive a lot and my beetl does the same I really like my car and would hate to see it break.

[gustagen]

Here are some pics to help you adjust your shifter cable. The photos are of a 1998 2.0 automatic Beetle.

I removed the air box to allow for more work room, but it is not necessary if you can get your hands and tools in there.

1. Loosen 8mm adjustment bolt near end of shifter cable.

2. Pry or pull the cable toward the rear of the car about 1/2 inch.

3. Re-tighten 8mm bolt while holding cable in place.

Check to see if your gear indicator on the dash matches with the one on the shifter. Good luck!

The two pics are also posted here:
imgur: The Simple Image Sharer
imgur: The Simple Image Sharer

[llantolatino]

I have looked at the above images so many times, tried doing it myself... HAd a friend try to do it.... had a stranger try to do it... And no sucess. Am I doing something wrong? Or are there details that are left out? Please please help... I even burnt myself trying to loosen it.