01M hesitation into drive- how long can this go on?

rybot · March 2nd, 2012, 23:57

Hi All,

Total Noob here. Just purchased a 2001 Jetta TDI AT with 155,00 miles, and have been going down the grocery list of items (timing belt, filters, oil etc) and just had my valve body replaced at German Transaxle (awesome bunch over there) which solved my rpm flux issues (TC unlocking and locking) but I still have a slow engagement into drive when shifting out of park. They told me it could be a start of the planetary gear going. All else shifts very fine, no metal in the pan etc...

My question: Anyone else just "living " with this problem, and if so how long? Not sure I can afford a full rebuild, but don't want to destroy the car/trans either.

Thanks All!

RB

2001 TDI JETTA 01M

Birdman · March 3rd, 2012, 00:38

Hate to tell you that you will need a new Tranny. This is a common problem with this transmission and the only fix is NOT rebuilding it like you should be able to but to buy a new/rebuilt one form VW. This has been going on since we started buying the A-4 platform car. Also on the A-3 cars that my Mon had. She got sick with 150000 miles on her Auto and the car set all winter and which up till then had never had a problem, then my car was run off the road and I had to use her car which in that winter the weather was way below normal and the car would do just like yours is doing now. I did drive it for about 2 months but just as soon as I could get back into a 5 speed I sold the car. You would think after 16-20 years of the same flaw in their car VW would fix it. But just like the windows falling out and the MAFs failing both which took lawsuits to get repaired VW will not fix anything that they and other car makers can get away from. Maybe the lawsuit on the door locks / alarm till get out money back one of these days but I never expect to see anything on the transmission, way to much money if they can hold off, But then we keep driving the cars (s speed anyway) and I do not plan on getting rid out mine anytime soon when I can get over 55 MPG.

CoolAirVw · March 3rd, 2012, 04:17

delayed engagment is common. If it goes into gear then just ignore it and keep driving it. It you have to give it some gas to make it engage into gear then you should probably repair it as soon as you can.

Note: Make sure the trans is full of fluid.

joetdi · March 3rd, 2012, 08:00

Mine has been doing this for 100K and hasn't changed. And the valve body is not your problem so, don't try one.

rybot · March 4th, 2012, 20:26

Thanks all-
It does go into gear after about 4 seconds, sooner if I give it the gas. I replaced the valve body to solve a different issue with the TC coming unlocked at highway speed. So I guess I will think on this, weigh my options on if 3k for the rebuild is worth the car which I have 6k into.

acesneights · March 6th, 2012, 04:04

Its worth it lol. Mine does the same thing but after its hot. Im gonna change the filter next weekend. Inassume the tranny fluid and filter are vw only ?

Powder Hound · March 6th, 2012, 09:40

Rybot, check with Coolairvw.

CoolAirVw · March 6th, 2012, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by acesneights

Its worth it lol. Mine does the same thing but after its hot. Im gonna change the filter next weekend. Inassume the tranny fluid and filter are vw only ?

not necessarily. the guy in the following link has a good filter kit for 29.

http://WWW.kansascitytdi.com

timothyn · March 12th, 2012, 08:49

CoolAirVw I have the same problem. give it gas goes in gear. reverse goes in very hard. Is there anything to check? Or do you know any good guys in and around Toronto?

CoolAirVw · March 16th, 2012, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by timothyn

CoolAirVw I have the same problem. give it gas goes in gear. reverse goes in very hard. Is there anything to check? Or do you know any good guys in and around Toronto?

check the fluid level.

acesneights · March 16th, 2012, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoolAirVw

not necessarily. the guy in the following link has a good filter kit for 29.

http://WWW.kansascitytdi.com

Thanks for the link, I am having the car swapped to a 5 spd this weekend by a vendor here.

acesneights · March 16th, 2012, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by timothyn

CoolAirVw I have the same problem. give it gas goes in gear. reverse goes in very hard. Is there anything to check? Or do you know any good guys in and around Toronto?

Try giving it fuel instead...lol

Sorry could not resist...Diesel Humor...

MotorCityMadman · May 3rd, 2012, 07:06

So if it is not a valvebody issue then what is the cause?

Old thread, I know, still interested.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joetdi

Mine has been doing this for 100K and hasn't changed. And the valve body is not your problem so, don't try one.

fruitcakesa · May 4th, 2012, 05:14

Mine also has been doing it for 100k. Regular fluid and filter changes and replaced TC at 129k for a flywheel issue

CoolAirVw · May 4th, 2012, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotorCityMadman

So if it is not a valvebody issue then what is the cause?

Old thread, I know, still interested.

Pressure loss. Pressure that should be applying the clutch is leaking off. Basically pressure just falls into the pan.