2002 Passat Tiptronic not working.

Google not going to fix your car! It maybe under warranty if it's under

You probably need the tiptronic magnet/slide kit... not sure of the cost, but they fail fairly regularly. Especially if something sticky has been spilled into it...

Yeah, I've heard that. I just want some basic idea of what to expect. Too many times in the past I have spent money on something because I was *told* that was the problem . Later, I find out nothing was resolved.

One time I was *told* that I needed my injectors cleaned when my Mazda engine had a poor idle. (Over 200 bucks). Never fixed the problem. Later I found out that my alternator had a bad diode. I hate taking a mechanic's word for it.

I've been in touch with the VW tech in Charlotte through email and I would like to respond with some ideas. I don't want them ripping my entire tranny apart for a simple solution.

Thanks for your response, by the way. I do appreciate it.

I know. I'm not expecting that. I like to be filled with as much info as possible so I won't be ripped a new one when I take it to the service center. My car is out of warranty and our only certified center is in Charlotte - out of town. I don't want it sitting there for days while they rip it apart and my wallet as well. I just want to suggest a couple of things to them first. Thanks for you insight as well.

Checking to see if there are any stored codes for engine errors might be a good place to start.

Sounds like a connection failure to me. Does upshift work and not downshift or vice versa, or is the whole tiptronic zone of the gear selector pattern?

I would guess the interconnect between the gear selector switch and the tiptronic area has failed?

Sometimes I forget how many poor VW dealers there are. My moneys on the magnetic strip in the console. If so figure 2 hours tops for labor.

I totally understand where you're coming from... but as a certified VW tech, there's a 99% chance of this being the problem with your TipTronic - the magnets come loose from their holders inside the shift mechanism. You can buy the parts individually, sometimes as a complete kit.

I have recently received an email from the tech. in Charlotte on this. She is looking into it - being the magnet that is. Hopefully, that is what is wrong with it.

Let me ask you all this: Does anyone have a repair manual for a 2002 or newer Passat. Bentley makes a manual that costs over 100 dollars. I have one for my 626 and it has saved me a few times over. I love doing what I can by myself. Heck, I replaced the entire shift mechanism in the 626. It wasn't easy - a lot of busted knuckles and swearing. But I did it and proud of it.

Thanks every> I totally understand where you're coming from... but as a certified VW tech,