My 2000 2.0 not Turbo VW Beetle idles really rough like it's going to die and loses power on acceleration. Not all the time just sometimes - especially going up hills and at the beginning of a tri

try installing a new brake light switch ref. haynes repair manual for vw 98 - 2002.

With the car running rough it could cause the harsh shift but if it is staying at 5000 rpms then the ****** is about to go out on you. The rough idle sounds like a vacuum leak. If you can keep the car running at idle listen for a sucking type sound. That would indicate where the vacuum leak is.

indicates a recorded fault
have the fault codes read and fix the faults

Could be the fast idle sensor check to see that the vacume line is hooked up properly.

I have a 2000 Volkswagen beetle turbo as well, and experienced this same problem. It seemed to be especially worse in bad weather. We have taken it various places but no one could seem to fix it since it was sporatic. Finally, we had some hoses replaced, and havent had any problems with it for about a month now.

maybe coil pac!!!

I had that problem for the longest time. I had to clean the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Very easy to get to. Go to any auto parts store and ask them for the MAFS Spray. If cleaning it doesn't work, you may need to replace the MAFS. Once again easy to replace. Make sure you put it back nice and tight.....

what is your mileage? sounds like your timing belt went. probably need an engine rebuild, to a new engine!

the electrical portion of you ignition switch is going out.

You can try to google "Mouse Meat Inc". The owner, Earl, he knows everything about VW. You can try to give him a call or contact with him, he will tell you how to solve your problems. I had him fix my car before and ever since then my beetle is problem free. He's the one you want to talk to, he's way better than any dealers. He's located in Tacoma, WA, if it's not anywhere near you, he can even try to hook you up with someone he knows that's close to your location. Definetely give him a call!