Volkswagen: 95 Jetta Automatic Sealed Transmission Reset, torque converter, oil maintenance

Question
My brother has been having strange problems with his 1995 Jetta. We're not too sure if it is a transmission problem or not. What happens is he will be driving and the gears seem to slip and eventually the car will stop. If he shuts the car off and starts it back up, and puts it into gear, it will go again for about 30 seconds and do the same thing. We came across a forum for '95 Jetta Transmissions and how to reset them. There were a few variations to the procedure. Some people suggested turning the car to the on position without starting the car, then holding the gas pedal to the floor for a minimum of 1) 20 seconds, or 2) 5 seconds; and then either 1) starting the car right away or 2) turning the key to off and then starting the car. Even if either of these procedures are correct, do you think they will solve the problem? The manual advises that you take the vehicle to a VW dealership but nobody seems to know or have heard of this happening before. Also the indicator on the transmission (P,R,N,D) is not on either. If you know of anything that will help or any ideas, it would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

Very strange...but this is what I think it is:

1) Could be bad oil pump in tranny, not getting oil to torque converter.

2) A bad torque converter

3) Low fluid, trans needs to go and get filters, screen, changed (under 50.00)


It sounds mainly like a low-fluid symptom.  Also, you have to use a special oil (not just Auto Trans Fluid) for your VW, so you need to call VW and ask them what type of oil is needed for your year and model.

Start with the oil / maintenance service and lets take it from there.

You should be on the road soon.

TD