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By Matthew Wright, About.com Guide to Auto Repair

Transmission Repair Not So Automatic After All

Friday January 11, 2008
This is a story repeated all too often in the auto repair world:

I have a 2001 VW Jetta sedan GLS. I have had the transmission rebuilt by Aamco. I had to take it back because it got worse. It ran fine for a while but now it is doing the same thing that it was doing the first time I took it in. When the car is cold the RPM's fluctuate like I am revving the engine, but I will have the gas pedal in the same position. It usually does this until the engine warms up and stays warm for a while, then it is fine.
I talked to another mechanic and he told me to get another Aamco to look at the fluid level. I have not seen any leaks, but does that sound about right? I am really reluctant to take it back to Aamco because I already spent $3000 on this transmission. -- Jack C Moses
Jack's problem is not at all unique. Aside from the fact that VW automatic transmissions from '98 to 2002 are more or less time bombs, the same thing can happen to anybody who has a bad transmission. As to this one, a fluid level check is always first on the list of inspections, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it back to Aamco. Your warranty will be honored at any Aamco location, so if you're unsure about the shop that did the repairs, find another one to do the follow-up. It can be frustrating, but most of the time they will make it right. If you don't feel they've honored their end of the deal, be sure to take your issue all the way to the top.

Comments

January 14, 2008 at 1:24 pm
(1) pierre matte says:

1995 intrepid is over heating what is pcm problem relating to cooling fan they both work i though it to be water pump

January 15, 2008 at 2:29 pm
(2) Anton says:

Doesn’t sound like a transmission problem to me. Honda’s have a sensor near the exaust that goes bad causing the engine to rev up and down. When the sensor warms up it starts working again.
$75 bucks tops. Good luck.

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