Volkswagen: 01 Jetta automatic transmission, spark plug wires, vw jetta

Question
Hello,
2001 VW Jetta, automatic, 52,000 miles
When my car gets wet (after significant rainfall), it bucks between 2nd and 3rd gear, and the tachometer jumps before it gets into gear. After two or three days of drying out, the problem stops. Last time this happened (it's been three times total over the past 6 months), the car slipped out of gear twice on the highway.
Dealership was unable to get me in in a timely manner to check the problem when it was happening...this last time, I brought it anyway and they said the entire valve body had to be replaced, to the tune of $1700. I've had several people, including my father who has worked on his own VWs for years (although they are all manual) tell me that if the entire valve body was faulty or worn out, the problem would be occuring continually and not only when the car is wet. This makes me think that it is something electrical at fault.

Unfortunately, the dealership I go to is notorious for inventing problems, so I am not comfortable taking their word for my car troubles.

Any suggestions?

Regards,
Emma

Answer
Emma,

From your description, it doesn't sound like a valve body if this only occurs during a rain.

The spark plug wires could be bad, or the hose that goes to the transmission could be taking in water.

The best bet is to bring it to a transmission shop that gives free estimates.  I find them to be very reputable and have much more expertise than the dealer in this matter.

Don't worry, I don't think it's anything major.

Ron