VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs

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Wed 1 Jun 2022 11:20
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Melanie Morey

I think my car has an issue with the gearbox. It struggles to change gear which results in the revs going up to over 5000rpm before it can change. I consulted a local garage who suggested they change the oil and oil filter to see if that helps but unfortunately it has not. It seems to happen more on hills when going from 30mph+. I have tried to accelerate slowly on occasions and then fast on other occasions to see if there is any difference but there isn't. I am only planning on doing short journeys with this car but I live in the countryside with a lot of hills so need it to work right. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Wed 1 Jun 2022 12:48
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - elekie&a/c doctor
I’m guessing this is a regular auto box , rather than a Dsg model . May be an idea to find a garage that can access the electronic diagnostic system to see if there are any fault codes logged that could cause your symptoms. Suggest find an auto box specialist.
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Wed 1 Jun 2022 12:51
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Palcouk

Find a local auto gearbox specialist or VW specialist

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Wed 1 Jun 2022 19:30
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Oli rag

On an (almost) 20 year old car, any gearbox repair could well exceed the price of the car.

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Sun 5 Jun 2022 09:44
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Andrew-T

On an (almost) 20 year old car, any gearbox repair could well exceed the price of the car.

But it shouldn't exceed the cost of getting another ?

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Thu 2 Jun 2022 17:01
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Big John

Before delving into expensive auto box investigations/repairs - any other issues or codes logged or any other work done recently? Daft things can cause strange issues - eg brake light switch!

Edited by Big John on 02/06/2022 at 17:01

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Sun 5 Jun 2022 16:20
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Rerepo

Is the gearbox 4 speed or 5 speed tiptronic? Both were used around this time.

The 4 speed is the 01M - built in France by STA (Renault) and very similar to the old VW 096 box. Very difficult to get repaired now I would think. You could try to find a working used box - but a long shot. You could try resetting the grarbox ECU...From the driver's seat turn the ignition on without starting the car. Quickly put the accelerator to the floor. Wait five seconds. Release the pedal. Turn the key off then back on and immediately start the engine.

The 5 speed box is a Jatco (Japanese) 09A. Used on many cars and pretty sound. A transmission repairer would be best for diagnostics.

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Thu 23 Jun 2022 17:09
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Melanie Morey

Thanks for your suggestion, it is a 4 speed so going to try your suggestion regarding resetting the ECU. Fingers crossed!!!

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Thu 23 Jun 2022 17:10
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Melanie Morey

Thanks for your reply. No other codes issued. Just recently had the oil filter and oil changed but it was happening before this. The guy from the garage who sold it to me just recently had the gearbox serviced!!!

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Thu 23 Jun 2022 23:49
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Adampr

To me, it sounds like it's low on fluid (it could be lots of things, but the over-revving is a classic sign of a leak).

According to Wikipedia (!) a common fault is "leaks in the oil filling tube by removing the cap incorrectly". I wonder if whoever 'serviced' it caused a leak. I would take it to an auto gearbox specialist for their advice. Alternatively, Google how to check and refill gearbox oil in a JTA 01m transmission.

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Fri 24 Jun 2022 09:42
VW Golf 2003 reg - automatic 1.6ltr - Automatic has trouble shifting gears, over revs - Melanie Morey

Hi, thank you for your suggestion. This is exactly what the garage has done recently. They replaced the filter and the oil. This didn't solve the problem and when I took it back for them to check the oil level they said they had to top it up but didn't mention a leak. The car was still having the issue even after the top up!!

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