97 Jetta Jazz transmission issue

I have 72,000 miles on my Jetta and wondered if anyone else has solved this issue:

-Very firm 1-2 shift under light to moderate acceleration
-Shift points are over 3000 rpms
-final upshift from 3-4 only happens if I get over 40 mph, then back off the accelerator slightly. Any gas pedal pressure seems to cause a downshift back to 3rd.

I brought it to a transmission shop and they said there weren't any transmission codes stored and although they did observe the harsh 1-2 shift, they didn't notice any other issues . They gave it back to me and said their only suggestion was to tear it down and rebuild it (although they acknowledged the symptoms they saw didn't warrant it).

If this was a non-computer car I'd swear the issue was that the transmission "kick-down" linkage needed to be adjusted (showing my age again).

Any ideas?

thanks,

its a good chance the fluid level is low. Unfortunately you cant check the level. I would say take it to the VW dealer and have them do a transmission fluid flush with new filter. It should help. IF that doesnt fix it than you will need a new transmission