VW Jetta TDI 2003 transmission problem

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.

Reply to
Aawara Chowdhury
Loading thread data ...

Hi, in the repair records, is there mention of any transmission service done? Not sure the interval on a 2003, but on older VWs, it was every 2 years. If it hasn't been done for a few years, it might be worth the investment if you are going to keep the car for awhile.

Reply to
Tony49122

Tried replacing the transmission fluid and filter - didn't help. Then replaced the valve body and solenoids. So far, so good ..... keeping my fingers crossed!

AC

Reply to
Aawara Chowdhury

Hey, just curious if the problem remained fixed after replacement the valve body and tbe solenoids? I have a 2003 tdi auto transmission that had the same problems, and is now to the point where it won't really work unless warmed up for a long time.

Reply to
mmhess

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.