2001 Jetta Engine Problem

Please let me know if anyone else is having this problem. My dealer thinks I'm making things up...

I have a 2001 Jetta GLS automatic with 55,000 miles. Sometimes when I start my car, the ignition won't catch right, I apply the gas and the car will coast for maybe 20 feet, and if I try to further apply the gas, I get a loud grinding noise, like metal on metal. I have to stop the car and wait a few minutes before attempting to start it again. Most times, the second try won't catch either. Third time usually does it, but my point is, this shouldn't even be happening.

This always occurs, for some odd, unexplainable reason, when I drive from my house to the bank about 15 miles away by highway, so roughly speeds of 60-70 mph. I'll have the car turned off for less than five minutes, then when I attempt to start it, my problems begin. The dealer made a lame joke that I just shouldn't go to the bank anymore. But this has happened on other occassions, again, going short distances, stopping the car for a few minutes, then restarting. Sometimes it does it after going short distances at slower speeds, maybe 30-40 mph.

Weather doesn't seem to be a factor, nor does the amount of gas in the tank. I have had the fuel relay and pistons replaced, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it, since I've had this problem for some time now.

I love my car when it works properly, and hate the thought of having to turn it in and buying something else. Can anyone help me??

[miro1118]

sounds like transmission to me. Flywheel/torque converter. If ignition does not catch you could me missing a tooth.

[layinframe_95]

Does the car start ok? If it does, it sounds like maybe a tooth on your drive gear has sheered off. If it's not starting right, i'd have the stall converter checked.