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my vw dealer refused to diagnose anything until i had a new battery put in?? they said i needed a new battery before they could run any tests of the cars computer system. i don't get this. it doesn't seem like i need a new battery.
Everything on these new cars is computer operated - including how your tranny shifts. It is possible (though I don't know that this IS what is happening) that your battery is just weak enough to be messing things up.
I'm guessing the VW dealership wants to charge you about $150 for a new battery.
I'm not a big fan of WalMart, but that's where I get all my car batteries. I've found them to be quite a bit cheaper than even OReillly's or Autozone, and they seem to be good batteries. Their tech guy can pop a tester on your old battery and tell you if it needs to be replaced. They'll also install the new battery for free.
If the battery is strong enough to start the car, it should be strong enough to operate the computer. It's not like it draws much power. I can't even conceive of how it would be possible to attribute a transmission shifting problem to a weak battery. Sounds like a scam to me.
VW's suck. Sell it ASAP unless you are prepared to drop $3k-$4k into it for a new tranny. And don't ever buy another VW again. Seriously, you'll thank me later.
I agree with the recommendation of an independant shop. Ask friends who they have had the best experience with though. We have a 2001 Beetle which had what sounds like the same problem. It was one of the computers. Sorry, do not remember which one as that was over a year ago and we have changed a couple more since. But with that specific one, $800 at the dealership, $250 at a good local shop. But yes, still check your fluids which with any vehicle this should be done at least once a month and while you are doing that, test all the lights too.
When you say it is to soon for transmissions, one of my other cars was only 3 years old, had 55,000 miles and a bad tranny. No matter how much you do take care of your car, anything can happen especially wiht all the computers in them these days.
VW's are horrid horrid cars. My mother traded in her Jag S-Type a years back for a New Beetle (which has since been sold...thank god) and had no shortage of electrical and mechanical problems. I've heard very similar remarks from friends/family who have owned Golf's/Jetta's/Passat's/Audi's (owned by VW) since many of them share the same/similar platforms. I can't speak for the current gen products but I certainly wouldn't buy one until they are several years old and have a proven track record.
VW's are horrid horrid cars. My mother traded in her Jag S-Type a years back for a New Beetle (which has since been sold...thank god) and had no shortage of electrical and mechanical problems. I've heard very similar remarks from friends/family who have owned Golf's/Jetta's/Passat's/Audi's (owned by VW) since many of them share the same/similar platforms. I can't speak for the current gen products but I certainly wouldn't buy one until they are several years old and have a proven track record.
i have had tons of problems with this car. never in my life have i had so many problems with a car. i would not recommend the vw beetle to anyone. but i do enjoy driving it and i like the convertible top. i bought the premium extended warranty so it should cover this transmission problem. i've never bought an extended warranty before but i want to keep this car until it dies so i don't have a car payment for a while! thank you all for your insights.
Everything on these new cars is computer operated - including how your tranny shifts. It is possible (though I don't know that this IS what is happening) that your battery is just weak enough to be messing things up.
I'm guessing the VW dealership wants to charge you about $150 for a new battery.
I'm not a big fan of WalMart, but that's where I get all my car batteries. I've found them to be quite a bit cheaper than even OReillly's or Autozone, and they seem to be good batteries. Their tech guy can pop a tester on your old battery and tell you if it needs to be replaced. They'll also install the new battery for free.
Good luck!
Just another reason to LOVE WalMart!!!!
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