1998 Jetta, runs great at parked. Stalls hesitates when driven

When you say hesitation do you mean the engine will rev but the transmission won't engage

your transmission fluid lines run thru the radiator's transmission cooling cell. When the radiator springs an internal leak, it contaminates the trans fluid with coolant/water mix, giving it the milky pink appearance. Replace radiator and flush transmission.

Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles, or more frequently if the vehicle is used for towing or carrying heavy loads.

When replacing the transmission fluid, first the mechanic drives the vehicle to get the fluid warm and then removes the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission (if applicable), or removes the transmission pan allowing the fluid to drain.

The transmission is then filled with fresh fluid, and the engine is started. With the engine running and the transmission in "Park," the mechanic checks the level of the transmission fluid on the dipstick. Then the vehicle is driven once more, and the fluid level rechecked; if needed, more fluid is added.

Using the wrong automatic transmission fluid may invalidate the manufacturer's warranty and affect the shift characteristics of the transmission. Consult the owner's manual for information on the kind of fluid to use.

Many automatic transmissions have a filter that can be replaced when changing the transmission fluid. Changing this filter may allow a closer examination of the fluid for debris, which may be a sign that the transmission is about to fail.

Hope this helps.

When was the transmission fluid last changed? It's probably contaminated with something that flows more easily when it's warm. Check the fluid and do a flush and fill if it isn't clean. If you know a reputable transmission mechanic, have him evaluate the fluid before the change - he should be able to tell you if it indicates significant wear on an internal component.

It's listed in your owner's manual. Schedule A is normal driving conditions.
SCHEDULE "A"
7,500 miles (12 000km) or at 6 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.

15,000 miles (24 000km) or at 12 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.

22,500 miles (36 000km) or at 18 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Inspect front wheel bearings.
- Inspect brake linings.

30,000 miles (48 000km) or at 24 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Replace engine air cleaner filter.
- Replace spark plugs.
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and filter (4.7L).

37,500 miles (60 000km) or at 30 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and filter (5.2L/5.9L).
- Drain and refill transfer case fluid.

45,000 miles (72 000km) or at 36 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Inspect front wheel bearings.
- Inspect brake linings.
- Flush and replace engine coolant at 36 months, regardless of mileage.

52,500 miles (84 000km) or at 42 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Flush and replace engine coolant if not done at 46 months.

60,000 miles (96 000km) or at 48 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Replace engine air cleaner filter.
- Replace ignition cables (5.2L/5.9L).
- Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.
- Replace spark plugs.
- Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace as necessary (5.2L/5.9L).
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid (4.7L).

67,500 miles (108 000km) or at 54 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Inspect front wheel bearings.
- Inspect brake linings.

75,000 miles (120 000km) or at 60 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and filter (5.2L/5.9L).
- Drain and refill transfer case.
- Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000miles (48 000km) or 24 months since last change.
- Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required.

82,500 miles (132 000km) or at 66 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000miles (48 000km) or 24 months since last change.

90,000 miles (144 000km) or at 72 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Replace engine air cleaner filter.
- Replace spark plugs.
- Inspect front wheel bearings.
- Inspect brake linings.
- Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace as necessary.
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid (4.7L).

97,500 miles (156 000km) or at 78 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.

105,000 miles (168 000km) or at 84 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000 miles (48 000km) or 24 months since last change.
- Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace if required.

112,500 miles (181 000km) or at 90 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid and filter (5.2L/5.9L).
- Inspect front wheel bearings.
- Inspect brake linings.
- Flush and replace engine coolant if it has been 30,000 miles (48 000km) or 24 months since last change.

120,000 miles (192 000km) or at 96 months
- Change engine oil.
- Replace engine oil filter.
- Replace engine air cleaner filter.
- Replace ignition cables (5.2L/5.9L).
- Inspect PCV valve, replace as necessary.
- Replace spark plugs.
- Inspect auto tension drive belt and replace as necessary.
- Drain and refill automatic transmission fluid (4.7L).

Thanks for using FixYa -a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question.

Could be something sticking.Trans filter should be changed at least every 40,000-50,000 miles.If it has never been changed or has over 50,000 since the last filter service would start with a fluid flush and filter change.Well hope this helps, and good luck.

Yes a tranny flush would be great. I would recommend Either Going out and purchasing a new tranny filter, gasket and Transmission fluid from your local Auto parts store and doing it yourself, CHEAPEST. Or going to your local Valvoline to have it flushed. Cost is around $100

First would check the tran. fuild level to see if your fuild is low. Then i would recommend getting a trans. flush. This will improve your trans. greatly allowing the transmission to last a lot longer then it would if not having it ever done.
Good Luck!

You dont have to flush the fluid because transmission fluid has detergents in it that will clean the transmission.You need to go ahead and by a transmission filter, its only abou 20 dollars and it will come with the transmission pan gasket. All you need is the filter and fluid and a catch pan and you can do it in your front yard if you want to. I hope that helps you out!

there is a plastic plug over rhe filler neck,there is no dipstick if its an auto,if its a manual there is a filler plug either half way up the box rad side or a filler above the diff get proper oil fron v dub dealer.....