Volkswagen Repair: 99 VW Cabrio Transmition, vw cabrio, vw dealership

Question
I have a 99 VW cabrio, it has problems with shifting ( automatic).
It seems to go into 1 and second ok..but third it just takes a while ..sometimes you can let off the gas and it will change but it does not always work..it jerks while changing when it finally does.
I have not checked the fluid in the transmission but I am told that may be the issue...The car also needs to have the front driver axal replaced and it shakes the car all over the road..I am told this may be the cause of the loss of transmission fluid.
I tried to call the VW dealership for advice but they only say bring it in ..I do not have the money to spend for a check up...I think if it is fluid I can handle that ..I just need to know if it may be something more serious.

Thanks so much
Shell

Answer
Michelle,
 Yes, you can and should check the transmission fluid level.  This should be done on a regular basis, say every other oil change.
Another thing is the transmission fluid and filter should be changed about 100k miles.  Check this link for how to check your vital fluids:

http://new-car365.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html