QuestionI have a 1996 VW Jetta VR6 with an automatic transmission at 98,000 miles. Recently, when I turn on the car cold, it idles very high. It maxes out at about 1200 rpms and only comes down to about 900 rpms. (It used to idle at about 500 rpms.) Then, when I shift into gear there's a hesitation, a clunk, and then drive will engage. For the first couple of stops during the drive, I step on the accelerator and the engine will rev, but the car goes nowhere. One big, giant clunk later (it must look like I'm the worst person at driving a stick *ever*) the car will engage and head on it's way. Since this started to happen, I've noticed that I get a catch in acceleration when I'm doing around 65mph. If I let off the acceleration at all, it feels like the engine disengages. I have to give it extra gas, there's a surge and the engine will re-engage.
No warning lights have ever come on.
Is this my transmission dying? Or something less horrifying? (Or, I suppose, more?)
AnswerHi Elizabeth...I get the impression from your description that there are several things going on at the same time. First of all, you describe the way the car starts now compared to in the recent past. An increase in idle speed, on a computer controlled, fuel injected, gasoline engine, with OBD II engine management can ONLY be "unmetered air, getting into the intake." As soon as any air enters the intake, via any pathway, other than the MAF (mass air flow sensor), the computer increases the fuel, and the engine speed goes up. With about 100,000 miles on the engine there is something else to consider, and it won't make you idle faster, but should be thought about, and that is timing chains. So, let me summarize. (I know I haven't said anything about the transmission, yet.) Look for cracked or broken vacuum lines, or gaskets, or intake plenum components...MAF, idle air control, air tubes, fuel pressure regulator, intake to cylinder head gasket...etc. This should help you narrow things down with regard to engine idle speed.
The transmission in your car is just about ready for the big scrapyard in the sky. I'd definitely be on the look out for another one right now! Clunky engagement of gears in Volkswagen transmissions usually means that there is an internal "cross-leak" within the valve body, inside the transmission. Have you had the fluid changed recently...by a non-Volkswagen certified technician? Volkswagen automatics are robust durable units that require a minimum of maintenance, but it MUST be done a certain way, or the transmission is Toast! Sound to me like yours is burnt.
Let me combine the engine, and transmission explanations here. Since the trans. is not reliable anymore, a new, rebuilt, or used one is necessary now. Since the engine has 100,000 miles(almost), and the trans. needs to be removed...change the timing chains NOW! While the trans. is out, and the timing chains are on that end of the engine, have them changed while the trans. is being replaced. Don't have just anyone work on this job, please. Have someone that REALLY knows Volkswagens do this stuff for you from now on. I recommend you look through your towns' resources thoroughly...dealer, German car specialists, Volkswagen only specialists...etc. Once you find the one you like, check the better business bureau too...spend this money once, and with satisfying results, and then drive your Jetta GLX for another 100,000 miles. Good luck, Elizabeth, it will be expensive, but worth it.
