777 messages,
Last post on May 10, 2013 at 4:52 AM
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Volkswagen Beetle Forum.
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Volkswagen New Beetle, Transmission, Convertible, Hatchback
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
#582 of 777 Bad tranny on VW new Beetle
by smsgreeneyes
Aug 28, 2011 (4:34 pm)
My 2004 Beetle was shifting OK but occasionally making awful noise. When we got it to mechanic, he said the 2 piece fly wheel had separated and made a hole in the side of the housing. As it was out of warranty the only thing VW would do was inspect the transmission to see if the hole was indeed caused by fly wheel failure. It turned out that it was and they dropped the core charge. So it only cost $6000, not 6700.
We have been in touch with National Safety Board trying to push a recall. No decision on that yet. I would urge any one who has had the transmission fail to do the same.
#583 of 777 Re: 2005 Beetle Convertible [03vwnewbeetle]
by mwolyn0408
Aug 29, 2011 (7:02 pm)
I am having the same problem with my 03 VW Beetle. I do not see the 800 number referenced in your post. Can you post the entire number? Thanks!
#584 of 777 Re: 2005 Beetle Convertible [mwolyn0408]
by punchbadbuggy
Aug 29, 2011 (8:36 pm)
National Hwy and Traffic Safety Administration. It is an easy process and the phone call will take only 10 minutes to complete. If you really want something done about this issue call 1 888 327 4236 and add you case to create more pressure on the authorities to solve the issue.
#585 of 777 2003 VW Beetle Conv w/failed transmission
by rainbowmuggle
Sep 07, 2011 (9:33 pm)
Hi.
Like so many here, I need a new transmission. It has 77,000 miles on it.
My mechanic said if I buy the transmission, he will install it.
Does anyone know where I can purchase a new or used tranny?
I appreciate your help.
#586 of 777 2005 VW Beetle Transmission Failure
by rdumer
Sep 12, 2011 (12:16 pm)
PLEASE READ THIS- I have come back to this thread to write to ALL who are reading, because I honestly believe that the repair we had done AT VW service shop was the solution to the problem!!!
I have a 2005 VW Beetle, 75,000 miles (so under 100,000 miles and 7 yrs) . It was doing EXACTLY what everyone else on here has described...trouble shifting in the low gears, and also down shifting. It would throw you literally out of the seat. I took it to the transmission place we've used before and trust and they experienced it..although error code was 'gear ratio' ..They honestly thought the transmission was failing ..to the tune of $4500...did not think it was the value body..but based on what I READ I was sure it was the value body. I took it to VW. There were extended warranties on a catalytic converter (we also had an service engine light on, which was diagnosed as the catalytic convertor), the value body and window regulators (although we haven't had that happen yet, but I'm guessing it will probably break soon...based on the fact that they have offered an extended warranty on it). I was ready to hear all kinds of excuses on it, but was told (1) needed a sensor replaced, to bring it up to spec..$515..and that it would 'probably' fix the problem, along with the catalytic convertor...NO IT DIDN"T...exactly the same problem..maybe worse.
So..took it back, spoke with corporate VW the entire time, and I insisted that the VALUE BODY BE REPLACED. Was told the trans pan was dented and probably caused the filter to jam into flow of fluid, causing restriction..(this was another ploy I had read HERE that they try) BUT I will say my guy at the VW service was a delight! He worked with me and removed the pan, banged out the dent, replaced the value body and NEW FLUID (which I think was a lot to do with the problem, because I think the fluid breaks down over time and I ‘think’ that this is normally a closed system where the fluid is never replaced..so intuitively you figure the viscosity would wear down)..so I had to pay for reshaping the pan, new fluid (total cost to me with the sensor above was $700) and VW picked up the cost of the value body. DON'T REPLACE the TRANMISSION UNTIL you try the VALUE BODY replacement!!! IT’s only been 5 days, but it happened daily before and now not at all.
#587 of 777 Re: Beetle shifting/missing/lurching/jumping [bahhumbug2]
by mariluphato59
Sep 12, 2011 (7:16 pm)
I'm having the saaame issues with my 04 convertible beetle. Very upsetting that I was just told by the VW dealer that a valve replacement would not work, I need a total tranny replacement to the tune of $ 7,400 and some change...Seriously!??!! I still owe on this car, so that really bites me in the butt.....Really not sure what to do at this point...Find a cheap re-built trannsmission or just scrap the car...
#589 of 777 Transmission/Engine Problem? Or in my head?
by erturner
Mar 05, 2011 (6:32 pm)
I just bought a 2000 Beetle (56k miles, manual) that got the all clear from the mechanic. The car drives just fine but once it gets above 65 mph in fifth gear, it kind of sounds as if it needs to be shifted. Of course, it only has five gears, so I can't shift it again. The car responds well in high speeds, I don't have any problem actually going faster, but it just sounds almost as if it needs to be shifted. I don't think it gets higher than 3 rpms when I am hearing that sound, however. Any comments would be appreciated!
#590 of 777 Re: Transmission/Engine Problem? Or in my head? [erturner]
by belaircarguy
Mar 07, 2011 (5:45 pm)
I believe your New Beetle has the 2.5 engine and of course 5 speed manual. Interesting that you think it revs too high in 5th gear. I purchased a 2009 Jetta (same 2.5 engine), and when looking at the Jetta, I drove a 2.5 manual (5 speed), 2.5 automatic (6 speed), Diesel (6 speed manual) and Diesel (6 speed automatic).
I thought the exact same thing of the 5 speed manual. At highway speeds of 65 - 70, the car felt like it needed an extra gear (6th). When I drove the diesel with the 6 speed manual, it did not feel that way. The 6 speed automatic in both the 2.5 and diesel were also fine. My 2009 2.5 has the 6 speed automatic, and at 70 mph, it revs about 2600 rpm.
I don't believe there is anything wrong with your New Beetle's transmission, it is just the gearing ratios VW set up on that particular manual.
P.S. I also own a 2008 New Beetle convertible (2.5 and automatic). They are a fun car and I know you will enjoy yours!
Bel Air Car Guy
#591 of 777 Re: Transmission/Engine Problem? Or in my head? [belaircarguy]
by erturner
Mar 16, 2011 (9:06 pm)
Thanks for this! This makes me feel a bit better. I have read that you can do a 5th gear swap that will reduce the rpms (and the noise) and so I'm looking into that option now.
Thanks!