2001 Beetle automatic transmission problem

[elderair]

I have a 1.8L turbo (2001) with automatic transmission. The car has 50000 miles on it and I just had the transmission fluid changed about 10,000 miles ago. Recently I have noticed that in overdrive from a dead stop as you accelerate and let the trans shift through the gears, when it goes to shift into OD it hesitates, the engine revs a bit and then it finally shifts into fourth. If you start out in 3rd and let it shift it operates normally. I read somewhere about a problem with a MAF sensor causing shifting problems but don't quite know if that would be my problem or not. Looks like it would affect all gears and shifts if that was the case. The fluid when serviced was clean and not burt smelling and there was no residue in the pan. Anyone have a overdrive shift problem on this engine/trans combination? Also replaced the boost diverter valve already. Is this a problematic valve also?

[boschmann]

Who changed the fluid & what fluid did they use?

[elderair]

Originally Posted by boschmann

Who changed the fluid & what fluid did they use?

I found out that they didn't use the AE spec fluid. What is the permanent damage if it is flushed and the correct spec fluid installed? It has only started bothering since the weather has gotten colder so the viscosity must definltely be a big consideration.

[veedubmechanic]

problably going to need a new transmission. You can try dropping the pan and changing the filter and installing vw fluid (about 20.00 per quart).

[bmossa]

Originally Posted by elderair

I have a 1.8L turbo (2001) with automatic transmission. The car has 50000 miles on it and I just had the transmission fluid changed about 10,000 miles ago. Recently I have noticed that in overdrive from a dead stop as you accelerate and let the trans shift through the gears, when it goes to shift into OD it hesitates, the engine revs a bit and then it finally shifts into fourth. If you start out in 3rd and let it shift it operates normally. I read somewhere about a problem with a MAF sensor causing shifting problems but don't quite know if that would be my problem or not. Looks like it would affect all gears and shifts if that was the case. The fluid when serviced was clean and not burt smelling and there was no residue in the pan. Anyone have a overdrive shift problem on this engine/trans combination? Also replaced the boost diverter valve already. Is this a problematic valve also?

did you figure out what was causeing it to get stuck on 4th gear, i m having similar problem, i had the oil changed as well and i m not sure what oil they used, but it wasnt done at the dealship. let me know thanks

[elderair]

Originally Posted by bmossa

did you figure out what was causeing it to get stuck on 4th gear, i m having similar problem, i had the oil changed as well and i m not sure what oil they used, but it wasnt done at the dealship. let me know thanks

Hello. I replaced the fluid with the factory recommended mineral based oil which I can't imagine would be better than a synthetic. When I had the pan off I didn't see anything in the way of fiber material or any steel slivers or chuncks at all. All I saw in the pan was a black dust on the inside of the pan and a thin layer on the magnet. The fluid was outragously priced at around $30.00/qt! I bought eight quarts and a new filter and removed the oil cooler from the top of the transmission and screwed vinyl tubing into the two holes that the cooler bolts came out of and stuck them into a clear container and ran the car and kept pouring the VW fluid into the transmission until the fluid coming out of the cooler hoses came out the proper yellow color. Then I reinstalled the cooler and topped the fluid off so that it ran out of the check plug with the transmission at the propper temp per the scan tool. Anyway, there is still a hesitation when the fourth gear shift occurs and I have a code that I pulled off the Snap-on MT2500 scan tool. It is 17883. I didn't have time to research the code on All Data but It may help tell what is wrong with the trans. I also have a Bank 1 lean code which is related to a intake leak probably in the intercooler but I haven't checked it out as of yet. The other code I had was 17608 which was Turbo Recirc valve which I replaced with a new factory one. They go bad quickly and are cheap in construction. They offer aluminum bodied valves which look much sturdier but can cost up to several hundred dollars. Anyway, I am still looking for a clue as to why the transmission is shifting peculiarly. It could have something to do with a shift solenoid in the transmission valve body. There are many wires and a ribbon of wires in the trans. inside the pan which go to solenoids. If you find out anything make sure and post it and I will do the same also. I need to find out if there is a TSB (technical service bulletin) that refers to the transmission particularly in the fourth gear shift, and if so what the fix is. As stated there is no apparent hard fault like pieces of clutch material or steel plate/metal in the pan. That is always a good sign.
Kent

[veedubmechanic]

there arent any tsb for 4th gear shift.

1.8t triptronic or not? if its not triptronic i would say replace the valve bod ag4 auto trans have lots of probs with valve bodys. there is a special tool to remove the solenoid conductor strip from the solenoids so you can remove the valve body.
if its triptronic i would say the trans is bad.

the code for bank 1 lean is problably from a bad maf sensor. ALso check the pcv lines they are a very common problem. Goes from intake pipe to valve cover side down under intake manifold to block. they get brittle and crack causing vaccum leak and oil consumption/ sludging.

[ihatevw123]

I had the exact some problem but i am 5 months outside the warranty here in ontario, canada! The dealer quoted me $5000 Canadian for a new transmission, but that is half of the value of the car! That is ridiculous. I called VW canada to see what they can do, but of course they say nothign since its' outside the warranty.

Does anyone have any suggestions?
I want to sell the car ASAP after the transmission is fixed.
I was thinking maybe someone could work with my current transmission...or get an aftermarket one?!

Please help.
Thanks so much.