'96 Jetta AT slow shifting

[orko007]

I recently picked up a '96 jetta trek with an auto trans and 110K miles. I did all the normal maint. things like plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil and coolant flush. Currently is is the beginning of winter so it is cold out. When i first start the car and shift from park to drive it hesitates quite a while before shifting into gear. 1-2, 2-3, ect is also slow. As the car warms up it gets better but not like it should be. My first guess was replace trans fluid and filter. I called the dealer to get a price and they said it is a sealed trans and should not require this service unless it is leaking. Not sure if that is B.S. or not but I need to get the problem fixed soon. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

[fertig579]

When did you get the car, and did this problem just start. If you live in a place where the winters are really cold it could just be that your trans fluid is just really thick from being cold that is probably why it stops when it is warmed up.

[orko007]

I just got the car a few weeks ago. didn't really notice it when i test drove it. It is at home now and i haven't started driving normally it yet so it has been sitting in the garage untill the last few days. I did some calling and checked out the car and it seems I do have a sealed transmission. Is it still possible for a dealer to do a fluid change? Also is there extra possibility for dammage to the trans if i keep driving it the way it is? Thanks for the reply.

[mike1989]

try resetting the computer on the transmission. if the person who drove the car had a heavy foot it would cause the it to shift slow. the transmission adapts to the person driving the car. If you shut off the car then just turn the key until the battery comes on and the lights come on floor the gas pedle for 30 seconds then let go shut the key off then start the car and the transmisson computer is reset. then drive the car how u want to and it should shift normal. let me know how you make out

[orko007]

Thanks for the tip, I will give that a try this evening.