Passat Wagon GLX reverse problem

[feelingsofine]

I own a 1996 Passat GLX wagon with auto transmission with 86,000 miles. The car runs fine except lately when I put the car in reverse, the transmission doesnt seem to catch until my engine revs up to 3000rpm for about 5 seconds. When I am parked on an incline facing downward, my car is unable to back up at all. I figure this is obviously a tranny problem, but I cant tell if I need a simple trans fluid replacement, tuneup, or if it needs to be replaced completely. I haven't taken it to a dealer since they never seem to diagnoss a problem without replacing every part associated with it. The car runs fine otherwise. Please reply with any advice or suggestions. Thank you.

[boschmann]

It may be as simple as low fluid, as on that transmission it is very difficult just to check the level. Take it to someone who is familiar with VW automatics.