2004 Jetta transmission troubles

PounDDer

Veteran Member
Joined
May 24, 2007
Location
Ancaster, Ontario
TDI
2004 Jetta TDI, 2006 Jetta TDI
How much did it cost to have that filter changed? Have you changed to solenoids? If you changed the filter on a 09a, then you had to have it removed and that would cost a pretty penny at the dealer.
 

VWadventure

Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2014
Location
Vancouver, BC
TDI
2004 Jetta wagon TDI
A lot of great info here all- I’m grateful to have found this forum. I’m a new owner of a 2004 Jetta TDI wagon, automatic transmission, 214k km (133k miles) and are having similar issues... though the car first started having trouble engaging in first gear when moving from a standstill (revved up a lot before engaging), and has quite a delay before engaging into 2nd as well. The biggest difference here that I’ve noticed when compared to other similar threads on this topic is that my car was having these troubles after is was WARM (after running 5-10 min), not COLD. These were the issues that were most obvious to me, before I had it towed to the shop.

Long story short, the car was a very recent purchase from a dealership, and I’m pushing them for part responsibility in the potential repairs (based on the salesperson’s 30-day “guarantee”... which I should have got in writing. Lesson learned I guess). Anyway, the car has been looked at by a transmission shop that the dealership sometimes uses (not my first choice obviously, but the dealership is willing to take part financial responsibility...). Apparently nothing is showing up their diagnostic tests, and they’re recommending a rebuild of the transmission. Parts list as follows:

VW Valve body
Seals & rings are metalclad aftermarket
Clutches are Borg Warner
Torque convertor is a remanufactured unit from Transtar Recon

Been calling/researching like a madman for the past 2+ weeks, and was recommended to call (by a VW mechanic) a local transmission shop. Based on my description of the problems, he would take these steps:

Scan codes
Drop pan and check condition of transmission fluid (I’m not sure if dealer’s transmission shop has done this, though I would hope so; I will be speaking with them directly on Monday, instead of through the dealer)
Service the transmission, flush, new oil (50/50 chance that this would help)
Run car for 2-3 weeks; if problem shows up again, will start to tear apart transmission
Replace clutches, 9 solenoids, sensors

This shop said that for this transmission (09A?), that it would be unlikely that the Valve Body would need replacement, and that he would change the solenoids and sensors. This is different than the other shop’s recommendations, though is more in alignment with this thread. Is it true that it is unlikely that the Valve Body would need replacement? Some other shops I’ve talked to (VW/Import specific), mentioned that the Valve Body would likely need replacing and is an expensive part.

Both quotes for the work from both of these places is around the same amount, but with different parts being replaced/serviced. Does anyone have any comments/suggestions? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
 
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PounDDer

Veteran Member
Joined
May 24, 2007
Location
Ancaster, Ontario
TDI
2004 Jetta TDI, 2006 Jetta TDI
You cannot just "drop the pan" on a 09a. The pan faces the front of the car. If you look around, you may be able to get a new transmission cheaper than getting all that guess work done.
 

VWadventure

Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2014
Location
Vancouver, BC
TDI
2004 Jetta wagon TDI
09a transmission rebuild

Would a totally rebuilt transmission be just as solid as a NEW transmission? I have a budget for this car, but are also willing to pay for a rebuild if it's considered necessary, and will perform like a new transmission, as I plan on driving this car for a while.

For my own clarity, is there a complete list of parts needed for a complete rebuild of a 09A transmission? (I haven't been able to find any in my searches). That info would certain provide clarity when I'm speaking to the folks at the transmission shops.

Cheers!
 

CoolAirVw

Vendor
Joined
Nov 9, 2005
Location
Kansas City Missouri
TDI
Jetta
Where would you be getting this "new" transmission?

No there is not a complete list. There is no legally defined definition of "overhaul", "rebuild" or "remanunfatured" transmission means.

I have my own opinion on what should be changed. But I keep some that to my self. Knowledge is power.

Instead of meddling in the specifics of stuff that the rebuilder should be handling for you, you should concentrate on getting a long warranty that they will stand behind.
 

VWadventure

Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2014
Location
Vancouver, BC
TDI
2004 Jetta wagon TDI
Yeah sounds like lots of folks had success with replacing the 9 solenoids... Had a few more issues with this rig (but I also gained a lot more clarity on what parts are involved with this tranny) and are going for a rebuild. Found a helpful mech, and yeah they have a good warranty. Cheers.
 

Mallory

Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2014
Location
Carlinville, Illinois
TDI
2004 Jetta
I'm wondering if the symptoms we have been having with our new-to-us 2004 Jetta is common of these valve body/sticking solenoids or the first signs of saving up for a rebuild.

We are about the 3rd/4th owner and the car is in good condition for the age and mileage Just under 220K at purchase, presently over 222K.

It's difficult to gauge what has been done to the car over it's life, I can only assume it is the original transmission and when we purchased the vehicle the previous owner mentioned he had the transmission fluid changed (something done) and the timing belt had been done around 150K. And there is an engine light on with codes indicating EGR valve wiring things.

We had a trusted diesel mechanic test drive with us, it seemed sound, and didn't do the herky-jerky during the test drive and at first, and the price seemed right.

We have had it for almost two months, did an oil/fuel filter change last week at my work place (we are diesel fuel system parts and service, unfortunately we don't do trannies).

It's not my daily driver and I've noticed it more while riding passenger, it seems to favor doing it when I'm around, to invoke my car anxiety attacks! HA

The inter-mitten hard-shifting/banging shift in lower gears mostly in stop and go driving, and a forward "lurch" going from park to drive or reverse to drive, like it wants to jump forward and go. Usually not initially, but after coming back from a drive.

Advice/Suggestions Gurus?

Also, I'm located in Carlinville, IL (about an hour from STL, MO).
 

JB05

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Location
Il.USA
TDI
Golf,2005,anthracite blue
Oilhammer is in St. Louis; worth the one hour drive, and he is very knowledgeable.
 

Davidwv2004

Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2017
Location
West Virginia
TDI
2004 Jetta 1.9
I did change all nine solenoids but now car won't start I didn't have vag scanner so took it to a trans shop they said it's showing 1-4 all glow plugs issues I just drove it on ramp to pull the solenoids and know after change it shows PNR D432 all lit up any one have this after changing solenoids?
 

ARTDIDriver

New member
Joined
May 19, 2016
Location
Central AR
TDI
2004 Jetta TDI
Transmission problem you experienced

David, what did you do to solve your no-start issue after changing your solenoids? I'm having a similar issue.
 
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