Random auto gears

Hi all
I'm new to VWs and this forum, so excuse me if Im asking some basic or common knowledge questions...

My question is regarding the auto box on my wifes MY96 Golf 1.8 auto (on about 100k miles). It seems to be having some problems with engaging gears. Mostly the problem occurs when in D, with manual selection of gears 1 to 3 being usable but a bit clunky. The problem occurs in Drive, and particularly when the box is trying to select 3rd or 4th. The car then tends to free-rev, but will occassionally clunk in to gear, sometimes with a bit of a screech.....and other times it seems to drive normally.

Is this likely to be a major problem? Or is it more likely just some lesser problem with regulating gear selection (I know next-to-nothing about auto boxes....as you can probably tell:o )?

Also, does anyone know a reasonable transmission mechanic in my area (East Midlands/Grantham)?

Thanks in advance for any help
Kev

im no auto box expert, but i do beleive that even auto boxes are fitted with clutches, that to me sounds as though your clutch is slipping at times and struggling to engage at all on others. best thing to do would be get it to a trnasmission specialist, as you probably already are looking into doing anyway, i hate to put a cloud over your head, but i wouldnt be suprised if you end up having a new gearbox :(

That's what I was affraid of:( ......the price I was quoted for a reconditioned box was more than the car was worth. Where would I find out about specialsits in my area?
Kev

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Originally Posted by kevster

Hi all
I'm new to VWs and this forum, so excuse me if Im asking some basic or common knowledge questions...

My question is regarding the auto box on my wifes MY96 Golf 1.8 auto (on about 100k miles). It seems to be having some problems with engaging gears. Mostly the problem occurs when in D, with manual selection of gears 1 to 3 being usable but a bit clunky. The problem occurs in Drive, and particularly when the box is trying to select 3rd or 4th. The car then tends to free-rev, but will occassionally clunk in to gear, sometimes with a bit of a screech.....and other times it seems to drive normally.

Is this likely to be a major problem? Or is it more likely just some lesser problem with regulating gear selection (I know next-to-nothing about auto boxes....as you can probably tell:o )?

Also, does anyone know a reasonable transmission mechanic in my area (East Midlands/Grantham)?

Thanks in advance for any help
Kev

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It may be better to look round for a gearbox specialist who will rebuild your own gearbox; This normally means losing the car for 3 or 4 days. Less chance then of them adding on to the bill. Cost may be as low as £750 - good luck.

Thanks Auiron. I think that's the way I'll probably end up going....that way there's also a chance that a specialist might be able to repair it for less if it turns out to be a less major problem.
Kev

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kevster

Thanks Auiron. I think that's the way I'll probably end up going....that way there's also a chance that a specialist might be able to repair it for less if it turns out to be a less major problem.
Kev

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I hope it all works out O.K., though it looks ominously like the gearbox is on the way out, as eshrules indicated. VW and Audi gearboxes give you plenty of time to make a move as they seem to break up slowly.

as above really, hope all works out ok, imo, i wouldnt fit a brand new gearbox though, this is likely to be more than the car is worth, id go for a recon box, basically a new box. the insides are reworked and put into a new casing, my brother had this done on his 1.6 16v golf, it drives like new now, as far as the gearbox is concerned anyways LOL :aargh4:

I've been offered a recon' gear box for about £500, although I'll have to fit it. I've also contacted a auto-box specialist in Nottingham who thinks it sounds like a possible adjustment problem, and may not need major work. Fingers crossed:beerchug: