# VW Jetta 2003 Automatic Transmission Trouble **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [January 10, 2008, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-jetta-2003-automatic-transmission-trouble/9241 "2008-01-10T16:03:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![VW\_Purgatory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e9c0ed/32.png) [@VW\_Purgatory](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VW_Purgatory)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2008, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-jetta-2003-automatic-transmission-trouble/9241/1 "2008-01-10T16:03:38Z")
I have a persistant problem with my automatic transmission on my 2003 Jetta. When accelerating, the car will jump into 3rd or 4th gear (the worst conditions) with a sudden jolt and an accompaning thud, very similar to what one would experience if they popped the clutch too early when shifting gears. It doesn’t happen every single time that I drive, but has been getting progressivly more violent in the degree. It will happen at a slow and steady acceleration and at a more aggressive acceleration(i.e. on an on-ramp) It doesn’t seem to be related to the engine being cold, because it will happen even after I have been driving for 10+ miles. Also, in what may be a related condition, sometimes but not always, when the car is taken out of reverse and put into drive, the car will still drift backwards. I either have to let it drift for a while before it suddenly sifts into drive and will move forward, or it will go forward if I shift into another gear, then back into drive. 2 different machanics can not “duplicate the problem”, so therefor are unable to help me. I was told solutions varying from it is a emmissions control on VW’s to my 40K service would fix it. I _know_ this is a problem with the transmission, as an automatic shouldn’t be acting this way. And I have many mechanics question me when I describe the situation, verifying that it is an automatic. Anybody ever experience this problem? And is there a way to prove to my mechanic/dealership that this is a problem without them having to “experience it”?