Just changed the transmission in an 2002 Beetle and you have to mess with the shifter to get it in drive, and then it acts as though it's in third. It is also making noises. It was used. Is it bad?

Asked by nugfan Apr 08, 2015 at 10:40 PM about the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8T

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I changed the transmission in a 2002 Beetle 1.8 turbo, and I'm having problems. You
have to shift down to third to get it to read it's in drive on the dash and gear shift, and
then it acts like it's in third, sluggish start, and revs out around fifty. It also makes a
whirring noise when it is first started and noises when changing gears. It was used....

2 Answers

4,385

These transmissions have a "limp home" mode, where a faulty transmission will function but remain in third gear in order to "limp home". You can scan the transmission for fault codes with vagcom or similar.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2002 Volkswagen Beetle

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,170
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,930
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,090
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used MINI Cooper
390 Great Deals out of 6,397 listings starting at $1,500
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,056 Great Deals out of 53,549 listings starting at $3,000
Used Volkswagen Jetta
611 Great Deals out of 14,382 listings starting at $1,500
Used Ford Mustang
849 Great Deals out of 23,261 listings starting at $1,900
Used Honda Civic
1,089 Great Deals out of 31,157 listings starting at $1,495
Used Volkswagen Golf
75 Great Deals out of 887 listings starting at $2,800
Used Toyota Corolla
1,450 Great Deals out of 22,294 listings starting at $995
Used Toyota Camry
1,943 Great Deals out of 38,830 listings starting at $1,275
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
118 Great Deals out of 2,577 listings starting at $4,495
Used Chevrolet Camaro
510 Great Deals out of 9,856 listings starting at $2,495
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
183 Great Deals out of 4,273 listings starting at $2,499

Used Cars for Sale

2019 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
12 Great Deals out of 152 listings starting at $13,599
2018 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
12 Great Deals out of 106 listings starting at $9,800
2017 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
8 Great Deals out of 102 listings starting at $8,995
2016 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
16 Great Deals out of 135 listings starting at $6,800
2015 Volkswagen Beetle For Sale
13 Great Deals out of 152 listings starting at $7,595

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.