Will a 1996 VW jetta tranny match up with 1989-88 volkswagen jetta

Colors don't always match because sometimes manufacturers run out of a specific colored wire. When this happens, they put a different color but same gauge.
I recommend you find a wiring diagram and look for the pin connector / location of the accessory wire you want.

VWVortex.com - 1997 MK3 Jetta 2.0L 8v 5spd Reverse Gear Problem ...

forums.vwvortex.com > ... > Golf III & Jetta III
Dec 8, 2006 - 25 posts - ‎18 authors Hello, I have a 1997 MK3 Jetta 2.0L 8v 5spd my reverse gear is ... car in reverse- always, not even a little rolling, i have found that vw trannys r .... Member MKIII_96'sAvatar .... misalignment and problems with the transmission staying in gear. .... You can ask a hundred ways, but it won't change the answer/s. Won't go into 5th gear.
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Volkswagen Cabrio Questions - pops out of reverse ...

www.cargurus.com > Questions > Volkswagen > Cabrio
CarGurusMar 26, 2012 - My 96 Cabrio pops out of reverse then makes grinding noise. ... worse case is the reverse gear has a few teeth missing which is a common problem in 97 and older ... Won't stay in reverse 1 answer ... 1991 Volkswagen Passat.

it is my understanding that you have to take it to vw dealer or a vw mechanic and have them check or change tranny fluids. not positive bout it but that is what i was told. daughter just got a jetta turbo and that is what we were told by a friend of hers that has one.

VW's are notorious for not having a dipstick in the transmissions. The units are sealed, and can only be check by the VW dealers.

Sorry, my 1998 VW Beetle had the same problem.

on the side of tranny opposite of engine you will notice 2 plugs with a square hole you can fit a 3/8 ratchet head in. the top is your fill remove that one first to make sure you can add fluid before removing the bottom one to drain

CHECK THE BRUCHES IN THE STARTER THEY COULD BE WORN OUT AND NOW ARE TO SHORT

On the manual transmission you go through the vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Its suppose to go 1/2 way up the teeth marks. Does it not say in the Chiltons manual? I can check when I get home.

no you should never pour tranny fluid down that dipstick..infact the transmission for mk3 jettas dont have dipsticks for automatics. you need to find someone who will change it for you.

most likely the valve body or the TCM

If there is a grinding noise then you have a rev. gear, sounds like a clutch issue to me.