# VW 2003 Jetta issues - Slipping?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-2003-jetta-issues-slipping/130478>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** jetta, transmissions, volkswagen\
**Created:** [December 8, 2018, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-2003-jetta-issues-slipping/130478 "2018-12-08T20:46:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Timothy\_Vincent\_Lloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Timothy\_Vincent\_Lloyd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Timothy_Vincent_Lloyd)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-2003-jetta-issues-slipping/130478/1 "2018-12-08T20:46:00Z")

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As the title suggests, I have a VW 2003 Jetta. I got a new (used) transmission put into the car around 6 weeks ago and I’ve noticed some issues since that have been getting worst slightly.

When I start the car (and I’ve noticed the problem seems worst when it’s colder?) and put into drive, the transmission(?) slips in the first couple gears. It stutters and then when it’s going (maybe in 3rd), it’s fine. Going quickly from brake to giving gas will cause a slip so I’ve adjusted to give it a second in the transition.

**The strangest thing is that once the engine is warmed up and been going for a bit, the problem disappears. And at high speeds, driving is effortless.**

Can someone help diagnose this? Especially time frames and how worried I need to be?!

Thanks!

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 8:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-2003-jetta-issues-slipping/130478/2 "2018-12-08T20:49:42Z")

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When a transmission slips under these conditions, it usually means the seals are hard and dried from age so the proper hydraulic pressure can’t be produced, until the transmission warms up.

Tester

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Timothy\_Vincent\_Lloyd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Timothy\_Vincent\_Lloyd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Timothy_Vincent_Lloyd)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 8:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-2003-jetta-issues-slipping/130478/3 "2018-12-08T20:58:28Z")

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Thanks for the speedy response!

1. So in theory I should get the seals changed? Is that an expensive fix?

2. Is it possible that it is a transmission fluid issue?

3. How dire is this situation?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [December 8, 2018, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-2003-jetta-issues-slipping/130478/4 "2018-12-08T21:06:41Z")

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Replacing the seals involves rebuilding the transmission.

Used transmissions usually don’t come with transmission fluid in them. So you might want to check if the used transmission refilled to the correct level.

How dire is this situation?

> **[What does transmission slipping feel like in an automatic transmission? -...](http://www.littletonautorepairs.com/transmission-slipping-feel-like-automatic-transmission/)**
>
> Do you think your automatic transmission is slipping? A slipping transmission is a certain sign that your automatic transmission needs either service or a repair.  It’s important that we point out that when your transmission gears are slipping it...

Tester