The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
Looking for Replacement VW Transmission
- Thread starter R80RS
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How much is a VW remanurfactured transmission ?
Otherwise , wrecking yard or if you know of a competent / trustworthy independent ATF shop ?
Otherwise , wrecking yard or if you know of a competent / trustworthy independent ATF shop ?
I'd find someone that knows these transmissions and can do a quality rebuild.
Zee09
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Originally Posted by StevieC
I'd find someone that knows these transmissions and can do a quality rebuild.
+1
I'd find someone that knows these transmissions and can do a quality rebuild.
+1
If you want to swap a manual you need a matching ECM and cluster from a stick car on top of modified wiring. I wanted to convert my car to stick but it is pricey. Best thing you could do is find a parts car.
It's a Jatco trans that was used in other non-vw models.
It's a Jatco trans that was used in other non-vw models.
Originally Posted by R80RS
The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
Call up Avery auto salvage? hehe.
The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
Call up Avery auto salvage? hehe.
Originally Posted by R80RS
Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is"
What are you expecting? No one is going to R&R a trans with a warranty for $500. 238k is not that bad especially if it is on factory fill ATF which I am going to assume it is. You might just want to cut your losses. I'm sure some TDI nerd would buy your car for parts, especially if the turbo is OK. There are tons of MK4s will bad transmissions on Kijiji around here, they are just not worth fixing for normal people when they get old. You can probably get something for your car as it is a TDI and those are worth a lot more than a solvent burner.
Originally Posted by R80RS
especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
To be fair, it was the earlier four speeds (02M) that were really bad. 02Ms seems to have problems even at low mileage.
Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is"
What are you expecting? No one is going to R&R a trans with a warranty for $500. 238k is not that bad especially if it is on factory fill ATF which I am going to assume it is. You might just want to cut your losses. I'm sure some TDI nerd would buy your car for parts, especially if the turbo is OK. There are tons of MK4s will bad transmissions on Kijiji around here, they are just not worth fixing for normal people when they get old. You can probably get something for your car as it is a TDI and those are worth a lot more than a solvent burner.
Originally Posted by R80RS
especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
To be fair, it was the earlier four speeds (02M) that were really bad. 02Ms seems to have problems even at low mileage.
How is the rest of the car?
Another way to ask is how much longer do you plan to keep the car?
If you are planning to take your 238k mile Jetta to a half million, then paying for a quality rebuild makes sense.
If you are looking to get through another winter or two, a lower mileage salvage pull is probably the route to go.
The answer depends on how long you plan to keep this car.
Another 250k miles and even if you have to pay $2k for a rebuild, that's less than a penny per mile in costs.
It's not the value of the car if you were going to sell it, but the remaining life in the car and how much it would cost to get that life by replacing the transmission. If the car has been cared for and is "middle aged" so to speak, get a quality rebuild.
Originally Posted by R80RS
The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
Another way to ask is how much longer do you plan to keep the car?
If you are planning to take your 238k mile Jetta to a half million, then paying for a quality rebuild makes sense.
If you are looking to get through another winter or two, a lower mileage salvage pull is probably the route to go.
The answer depends on how long you plan to keep this car.
Another 250k miles and even if you have to pay $2k for a rebuild, that's less than a penny per mile in costs.
It's not the value of the car if you were going to sell it, but the remaining life in the car and how much it would cost to get that life by replacing the transmission. If the car has been cared for and is "middle aged" so to speak, get a quality rebuild.
Originally Posted by R80RS
The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
Originally Posted by javacontour
How is the rest of the car?
Another way to ask is how much longer do you plan to keep the car?
If you are planning to take your 238k mile Jetta to a half million, then paying for a quality rebuild makes sense.
If you are looking to get through another winter or two, a lower mileage salvage pull is probably the route to go.
The answer depends on how long you plan to keep this car.
Another 250k miles and even if you have to pay $2k for a rebuild, that's less than a penny per mile in costs.
It's not the value of the car if you were going to sell it, but the remaining life in the car and how much it would cost to get that life by replacing the transmission. If the car has been cared for and is "middle aged" so to speak, get a quality rebuild.
You could probably get a much lower mileage 2.0L manual model with a working transmission for the cost of repair.
How is the rest of the car?
Another way to ask is how much longer do you plan to keep the car?
If you are planning to take your 238k mile Jetta to a half million, then paying for a quality rebuild makes sense.
If you are looking to get through another winter or two, a lower mileage salvage pull is probably the route to go.
The answer depends on how long you plan to keep this car.
Another 250k miles and even if you have to pay $2k for a rebuild, that's less than a penny per mile in costs.
It's not the value of the car if you were going to sell it, but the remaining life in the car and how much it would cost to get that life by replacing the transmission. If the car has been cared for and is "middle aged" so to speak, get a quality rebuild.
You could probably get a much lower mileage 2.0L manual model with a working transmission for the cost of repair.
Originally Posted by WyrTwister
How much is a VW remanurfactured transmission ?
Otherwise , wrecking yard or if you know of a competent / trustworthy independent ATF shop ?
Yep.
How much is a VW remanurfactured transmission ?
Otherwise , wrecking yard or if you know of a competent / trustworthy independent ATF shop ?
Yep.
My 96 Camry has 348,000 miles. I bought it new and maintain it myself. It's such a good old car I refuse to sell it and the old original V6 still uses no oil betweek 6K changes. The transmission was getting a bit weak and I started looking for an excellent replacement. But none of the well-known companies such as Jasper had a replacement available, likely because so few folks will invest that much money in an old vehicle. An excellent shop located a 541E Aisin in Georgia with 28,500 miles on it. The trans. was in a 95 Lexus V-6 (same transmission model-virtually the same car). I took a chance, had the trans. shipped to West Texas, installed in the car and it worked out well--great transmission! Been in my old car about 6 months now. Although we have two 2015 vehicles, my wife and I take a number of trips (500+ miles) at 75+ MPH in the Camry because it's still so blamed comfortable. If you can be without the car for a week or so, that allows the rare, great shop to find a used, very low mileage equivalent transmission for your vehicle. This is a costly route to go, but the gamble certainly worked out well for me. Javacontour's advice just above this post is well worth serious thought.
Originally Posted by R80RS
The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
the 01M transmission is really crappy, but you do get the coveted larger injection pump, manual owners who modify their TDI's wish their car have.
the 02J 5-speed manual is popular, however can be pricey, as it requires a lot of parts and especially labor.
I don't know of anyone that has done a DSG retrofit that was found on the 04+ New Beetle TDI-PD's. 04+ Jetta/Golf TDI-PD did get a better 5-speed automatic w/ Triptronic
The automatic transmission in the 2003 Jetta TDI in my sig line has finally gone to tranny heaven. I'm looking for a source for a (hopefully inexpensive) replacement transmission. Several VW mechanics have told me that it's possible to replace an automatic with a 5-speed manual in these cars, so I'd be interested in either. Given the age and mileage of this vehicle I'm not looking to spend a lot, but I'm leery of just getting a cheap used "as-is", especially since the automatics in this model are notoriously unreliable to begin with. Can anyone point me to a recommended source for used/re-manufactured VW transmissions? Thanks.
the 01M transmission is really crappy, but you do get the coveted larger injection pump, manual owners who modify their TDI's wish their car have.
the 02J 5-speed manual is popular, however can be pricey, as it requires a lot of parts and especially labor.
I don't know of anyone that has done a DSG retrofit that was found on the 04+ New Beetle TDI-PD's. 04+ Jetta/Golf TDI-PD did get a better 5-speed automatic w/ Triptronic
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my 2001 1.8T jetta had the O2J 5 spd manual known for syncro issues, had it rebuilt at 150,000 miles as the engine was still great!! traded at 200 thou for a 2001 audi TT 6 spd O6M i believe, just for a change the fully galvanized body was great even living in salty Pa!! labor $$$ is always an issue so search for a good low mile direct replacement due to ECU compatibility its a crap shoot but it what is!! good luck
+1,000,000 You need a VW transmission specialist-the automatics on them can be a pain, my cousin had to battle an '04 New Beetle for her daughter, took multiple tranny guys to get it right.
Originally Posted by maxdustington
You could probably get a much lower mileage 2.0L manual model with a working transmission for the cost of repair.
IIRC the 2.0 had a much lower final drive. It'd bolt in but the TDI will be winding out.
I forget what has to be swapped in on a swap. But I suspect there's more than one thread online outlining how to do it. I suspect finding a TDI of a similar year (not '04 or newer, I think they changed to a different trans) that took a rear hit is probably best, just keep swapping parts until the ECU is happy (probably have to swap that and/or reflash it).
I'd look real close before jumping in. How is the rest of the car? Mine was still going fine but I was starting to think about what to look forward to in the future. Mine had a bent rear axle, rusted fenders & hatch, original injectors and a few other issues. I decided it was time to pass it on after getting what I wanted out of it. Irony: guy flew in from WI and drove it home. Maybe I sold it too soon...
You could probably get a much lower mileage 2.0L manual model with a working transmission for the cost of repair.
IIRC the 2.0 had a much lower final drive. It'd bolt in but the TDI will be winding out.
I forget what has to be swapped in on a swap. But I suspect there's more than one thread online outlining how to do it. I suspect finding a TDI of a similar year (not '04 or newer, I think they changed to a different trans) that took a rear hit is probably best, just keep swapping parts until the ECU is happy (probably have to swap that and/or reflash it).
I'd look real close before jumping in. How is the rest of the car? Mine was still going fine but I was starting to think about what to look forward to in the future. Mine had a bent rear axle, rusted fenders & hatch, original injectors and a few other issues. I decided it was time to pass it on after getting what I wanted out of it. Irony: guy flew in from WI and drove it home. Maybe I sold it too soon...
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