I just purchased a 2003 Jetta TDI automatic with 123,000 miles on it. The car drove fine on two test drives - both times the engine was cold, and then on a 300 mile trip home from the dealer.
It sat in the garage for a week until today. Now about 80% of the time, there is a big "jerk" when the transmission shifts from 1 to 2. After this the shifts are smooth. There is also a jerk when I slow down at a red light, and the transmission shifts from 2 to 1.
If I start the car in "1", rather than "D", and then after the vehicle has reached about 10 mph, move the selector lever to "D", there is no "jerk".
What could the problem be? I realize it is a transmission problem, but any pointers that give an idea of what to prepare for would be helpful.
Thanks! Ashok
P.S. I also have a 2000 Jetta TDI with 215K miles that has never had these problems. The 2003 Jetta seems to be fairly well maintained; I have records of all the service at the dealer (it was a single owner car). The other reason I think it was well maintained is that the timing belt / water pump were replaced about 3000 miles ago.