First jetta... rough idle when in drive

kawjs550sx · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 06:09 PM

Hello all, I am now the proud owner of a 1996 jetta. Picked her up for 1 grand just the other day. The car runs excellent but am having some rough idling problems. It is a 2.0 L automatic; the problem is that when I am idling with the shifter in Drive, the car shakes pretty hard and the idle fluctuates a bit between 700 and 1000 RPM. If I put it into neutral or park, it idles extremely smooth. Then back in reverse or drive, it is rough.

Also, it seems that when engaged in drive at idle, I have to hold the brake pretty hard. The car seems to be pulling harder than would be expected; same thing occurs in reverse.

Any ideas why this would happen, especially only in reverse or drive? Torque converter problem maybe?

JdavB · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 11:19 PM

Yeah, I'd say the torque converter if it seems to really be pulling. Or the brake pads are pretty run down.

mcrow · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 11:20 PM

Its a mk3 automatic transmission, 'nuff said. They are shit

JdavB · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 11:24 PM

Very True.

Transmission issues are pretty much a given on these cars.

Mine shifts like a horse kick

kawjs550sx · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 08:24 AM

haha alright, I guess I'll have the shop take a look while it is in for a general tune up. But, it is no big deal just shifting into neutral at stop lights until then.

Thanks

96GTIVR6 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 09:01 AM

my car does the exact same thing. i'll be putting a 5 speed in sooner or later so not worried about it.

kawjs550sx · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:46 AM

good deal, makes me feel better at least that I am not the only one. I wanted the 5 sp in the first place but couldn't pass up the deal I got on this one. I've been considering the conversion though to the 5 sp; how tough is that work?

JdavB · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 12:21 AM

One thing I'm going to add, if you're going to bring it to a shop to have them take a look at the transmission, they probably won't. Most places will just replace it if it's having trouble.

A few transmission specialist shops will look at VW transmissions. It's really hard to come by.

Another note, if they suggest changing the transmission fluid, be very careful. Alot of these places use a pressurized system to change out the fluid and this can be very damaging to the mk3 tranny. Only agree if they are going to drop the pan, change the filter, and refill with the OEM fluid.

Don't use off the shelf generic ATF. They'll even try to do that at some places, but do not allow it.

To answer your last question, I'm not sure on the amount of work required, but it's pretty substantial unless you are comfortable with that kind of work. I think it's about $2000-$4000 to have it done in the shop (that's including the cost of the transmission)