02 GLX problems post tranny replacement

[ro1224]

Following an accident to my 2002 GLX VR6 and a replaced tranny, my Jetta has been functioning horribly despite the dealership's inability to find the cause. Assuming some "break-in" time for the new tranny, I didn't suspect a problem until the stiff ride and sluggish performance continued. Dealer has hooked car up to diagnostic computer many times hoping to find "fault codes" but doesn't find any.

Vehicle often hesitates at acceleration and when accelerating and turning from a stopped position. The RPMs rev and then a second or two later the vehicle kicks into gear and moves along. I have tried to reproduce the problem during test drives, but it doesn't happen all the time. To me it sounds like some type of adjustment is needed or maybe the tranny they put in is bad and needs to be replaced. Vehicle ran flawlessly at time of purchase and prior to accident that cracked the tranny casing and damaged the steering column.

Also vehicle's climatronic display "blinks" when illuminated. Dealer tries to find fault codes here too and even replaced a head unit to no avail. There is also a knocking sound when starting and stopping and turning that appears and disappears - mostly when temps are above 40F. Dealer thinks they know the source of that problem, but still hasn't resolved. Any thoughts on this rather unique scenario?