I have a 2003 1.8T Passat with 46000km. I purchased the car new in 2003. As I write, the car is at the dealership again, this time due to the transmission failing to shift. This problem has been sporadic the past week. When I start the car in the morning and put the shifter into reverse, all the gear indicator lights illuminate on the dashboard. (IE: Just the "R" should light up when in reverse and "D" when in drive etc) and the trans won't shift automatically. It seems to go into 3rd gear and stay there, which makes the car sluggish when pulling away from a stop. They ran a diagnostic, but did not pinpoint the problem. Their computer did indicate sporadic operation of the transmission switch, but did not say why. Has anyone experienced this problem with their Passats.
2007-11-08 10:09:35 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volkswagen
Yes, I'm seen what you describe. There are a couple of possibilities here: 1) the transmission control selector on the console has a shorted board... if you spill anything around the shifter and it goes into the opening where the shifter is, it could short out the control board for the gear selector, it has happended a few times with my customers. Sadly, this is not covered by the powertrain warranty. 2) The transmission control is defective or the software has an issue... 3) The transmission has an internal issue causing the 3rd gear clutch to lock up and not release or the valve body control is defective. It is possible that you could have a couple of issues. The transmission control could be defective, causing the clutch to lock up, causing it to burn out for example.
If I were working on it; I'd check the transmission fluid level, condition first, then make sure that the latest software was in the transmission control unit, then look at the gear selector switch assembly as the description of the transmission switch could be caused by a short in the gear selector. At least this is where I'd start. Sometimes a pressure check of transmission can help.
Hope this helps, a car nut.
2007-11-08 12:51:41 · answer #1 · answered by a car nut 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello, yes, I have the same problem with mine. I drive a 2003 VW Passat GLX. I bought it not too long ago and everything seemed to work just fine until a few days ago were I saw the problem for the first time. I have 105K on it and failed to do my homework on this vehicle. I would have probably not bought it had I known of it. All I do is turn the vehicle off and wait a minute and turn it back on and so far it has worked (transmission works as it should)
I love the car but am afraid of this problem and don't know if I should get rid of it and buy something else.
2015-08-20 12:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by happydayz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was at my VW Stealership this morning, I parked round the side, next to the big stack of Tiptronic trannies they have boxed up there. There was a stack like that back in 2003 when I bought my v6 manual wagon, there was a new pile there this morning. Those are not the most reliable transmissions in the world. Meanwhile I have 108,000 miles and no problems, the transmission feels like the day I bought it, a little balky and notchy but still workinig fine.
Surely this is still warrantied? I'm sure I had 100k miles on engine and transmission. They have to fix it and that's that.
2007-11-09 10:49:50 · answer #3 · answered by Chris H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
VW makes very reliable cars. But that being said, automatic transmissions are the most unreliable and expensive part of any car that has one. That is why I always try to get a manual transmission. In fact, even the engine, brakes, starter, battery, etc., all last longer in a manual transmission car. VW automatic transmissions are as reliable as anyone elses, but I think they are somewhat more expensive to repair. Unless you use crutches, I would suggest a manual transmission.
2016-03-13 21:59:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 1.9TDI tiptronic estate and i too am having the exact same problem, really need help on this one is it the ecu under the passenger seat or something in the gear box ?
2015-01-24 22:58:15 · answer #5 · answered by clint 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had a leaking lower trans cooling line when radiator was installed. I let car sit for several months the attacked the leaking connection and fixed it. While fluid was low a repair guy drove the car to his repair place and car was acting up. Changed the fluid and the filter and now its stuck in 3rd gear and shift indicator lights are all on instead of the indicated gear I shift to and it is sluggish taking off from a stop. Im not sure what to to now. Do I need a new transmission? It is a great car until the radiator change which created leaking coolinfg line and now bad tranny
2017-01-25 00:37:53 · answer #6 · answered by michelladempsey 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋