Transmission Module Issue...not sure?

I have a 2001.5 Passat, 1.8T, Tiptronic with 36K miles. This past Friday car "stuttered", "jerked" (a pause then engaged) while accelerating/decelerating (I believe 3rd gear). I also notided that it would sometimes not accelerate properly from a dead stop, as if it was in the wrong gear. This morning when I brought it to the shop, I observed all of the gear indicator lights HIGHLIGHTED. Normally, when you are in PARK, the "P" is highlighted. When you're in DRIVE "D" is highlighted. The car "stutters" during accels/decels only when all of the gear indicators are highlighted.

Anyone else had this issue?

After doing some research, is the TCM under the passenger seat? I also have the "wet floor" problem and I'm thinking that this time, the water could have shorted a module out.

Any ideas?

Of course when VW checked all the drains last year, they found no blockage and didn't know where the water came from.

After doing some research, is the TCM under the passenger seat? I also have the "wet floor" problem and I'm thinking that this time, the water could have shorted a module out.

Any ideas?

Of course when VW checked all the drains last year, they found no blockage and didn't know where the water came from.


I am having the exact same problem in my 1999 GLS, but I did not ever have water inside the car. I took it to the dealer and they reset the Transmission Module (and charged me $72) but after a few days it did it again!!! Is there a way to reset the Transmission Module?

Theres not a way to "reset" the module. You can erase the codes in it. But they will come back if theres a problem with the transmission (ex -your car)

I just ran into the same problem and wanted to know if anyone has come across a solution yet? Any info is appreciated!

Yes I had the same problem on '02 1.8 Passat with Techtronic @ 35000 mi.
The dealership told me the boot in the transmission had broken.
They wanted to replace the whole transmission module but VW corporate refused.
Finally they replaced the boot but the warranty was only for 20000mi.
Now I have 67000mi and I am getting the same problem again.

So ask them to replace the transmission and do not be satisfied if they just replace the boot because this problem will happen again.

Is there a way I get get them to do my fix for free?

I just purchased my '03 Passat W8 sedan automatic in October. It had only 18,000 miles on it when I purchased it. Now after about 1k miles I notice that it seems to have a similiar problem in shifting. If I stop somewhat quick (for a stoplight or whatever) when I accelerate before stopping or leave from a complete stop I hear the engine rpms go up before it kicks in abruptly. My car is still under warranty. Could this be a computer software problem with shifting?

I just purchased my '03 Passat W8 sedan automatic in October. It had only 18,000 miles on it when I purchased it. Now after about 1k miles I notice that it seems to have a similiar problem in shifting. If I stop somewhat quick (for a stoplight or whatever) when I accelerate before stopping or leave from a complete stop I hear the engine rpms go up before it kicks in abruptly. My car is still under warranty. Could this be a computer software problem with shifting?

This post is over a year old. Better to let old dogs sleep.
And Start a new post on your problem.
If it is still under warranty why not take it back to the dealer?
It could be a engine running or the computer or the transmission. But let the dealer look at it.