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jtmare Posted on Feb 01, 2014
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I have a 2004 new beetle convertible, automatic transmission. The cover strip on the shift mechanism disintegrated. Is it safe to shift the gears when that's gone?

The strip was a rubber cover. I don't have a problem putting it in park or reverse. It's very difficult to put it in drive. Car is falling apart, when I turn the defroster on, pieces of foam come out all the vents.

1 Answer

Bill Boyd

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  • Volkswagen Master 53,816 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 01, 2014
Bill Boyd
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Joined: Jan 04, 2013
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I cannot see any immediate problems as it is only a trim cover. IT may be contributing to the reverse problem by bunching up and not allowing full selector movement. Some heater defroster units used foam strips around the core to prevent air from being drawn around the core and not through it as it lowers the heating efficiency of the heater unit. IF you are really interested you may check out the heater unit otherwise face the vents on the dash down so that you do not get foam bits in your eyes while driving.

Testimonial: "Thanks, today it showed it was in D and was actually in N, I put it in the gear below D and at least it drove. It lights up what gear you're in. I'll try to get it in this week. The defroster has been doing this for a while, you would think the foam would be gone off of it by now. I'm so unhappy with my bug right now. I haven't hit 50,000 yet but will soon. The glove compartment broke and can't be fixed, it has to be replaced. When I unplug my phone charger the whole thing comes out. I think I need to sell it, too many things are starting to go wrong. Thanks for you help!"

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 62 Answers
  • Posted on May 15, 2009

SOURCE: Delay in shift from park to drive or reverse

Check your trans fluid after letting the car run for around 10 minutes or so. Leave the engine running when checking fluid level. If it is low add a little at the time if it is high you are going to need to remove some fluid you can do this with a small sy-fin down the dip stick. Also inspect the fluid and smell it also. If it smells burnt and is brownish or black looking I am sorry to say it may be time to start looking for a new or rebuilt transmission. Good Luck. I hope it is something to do withthe fluid. Let me know what you find.

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Anonymous

  • 308 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 10, 2009

SOURCE: VW BORA run at third gear (auto) instead of 1,2,3

there is a problem on the shift gear or shift lever check and adjust ,this is in the transmission assembly.

Molson02536

Harvey N Tawatao

  • 3854 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 29, 2009

SOURCE: 147000K on my 2002 jetta TDI. I put it in reverse

Take it to any other transmission shop, preferably one that can rebuild transmission. Most transmission shop would rather do a transmission swap since it's easier and they can make more money. A good transmission shop will only repair the worn part if it's more economical then swapping the whole transmission. It sounds like the transmission line pressures solenoid has gone bad and needs to be replaced, you can before hitting the gas to go in reverse, wait till the transmission line rises again and let the engine idle rev rise the line pressure slowly so you do not damage any other internal parts. Good luck and call around and have then to a transmission pressure line test, which would indicate if there is only a solenoid that needs to be replaced. Good luck friend

Anonymous

  • 1071 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 23, 2009

SOURCE: Issues when changing gears in

it is bcause the trans shifts opposite diection when going from reverse to drive but i would check mounts where they bolt to trans have seen them with broken bolts

Anonymous

  • 22 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 12, 2009

SOURCE: 2002 Volks Jetta GLS-difficult to shift into reverse gear

no recals but if you are the oreginal owner you have untill 2010or 80,000 miles before the warranty runs out, and if you are past that I bleive you will need a T.C.M transmission control module.

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