What symptoms was your trans showing before it broke completely?
Also, are you getting a brand new trans? Did you look into rebuilt,
etc.?
Thanks for all the transmission information!!
Actually, I was not aware of any signs. I had it serviced by VW a year ago
and they gave it a clean bill of health. I mentioned to the service manager
that I hear a "clunck" when it shifts from 2nd into 3rd (when I take my time
accelerating) and he told me they all do that. He said German transmissions
shift when it is time to shift and that they are not very smooth. I drove
less than 10 000 miles after that. One day I backed out of a parking spot
and I thought I had the emergency brake on since there was not much
movement. It backed up slowly. I drove on the freeway--no problems, no
noise--tried to back into my driveway and--nothing. As if I was in neutral.
I always heard a whining noise when the engine was cold--for about 3-4
minutes. Just before the tranny "died" the whining was more noticeable, but
we were used to it and I also thought it might be a slipping belt or
condensation on a belt.
I found several places that will rebuilt it, but they want a "blank
check." They will not give any estimates until they take it apart. Well,
once it is apart I have no choice but pay. One shop owner told me to go to
VW for the warranty. I found some rebuilt units on the Internet
($2200+shipping). A local transmission shop also found one ($2800 incl.
labor).
The dealer told me that the ones available are rebuilt units (Rancho in
California rebuilds a lot of them). A new one would cost $7000 and has to
be imported from Germany. Mine is a CHY and was only used for three months.
It is not interchangable with the more common CEU because the bell housing
is different. There are many different transmissions out there and the
prices vary. CEUs are available used starting at $1100. You can find the
tranny code near the fuse box, just above the lever that pops the hood open
(at least on mine the sticker is there). I had to move the carpet and use a
flash light to see the label.
I have talked to many people who claim to be experts and most of them
complained about this transmission. The 92/93 passat used a similar one and
most are failing prematurely.
I got 87 000 miles, which--according to many shop owners--is average. I
bought the van used and do not know if the tranny was ever services (the
original filter was still in there). I also hear that you have to come to a
complete stop before you put the car in reverse. Who knows, the previous
owner might have gotten stuck in the snow a lot and "rocked" the van to get
out.
Get those automatic transmissions serviced! Leaking valves seems to be
a problem--which leads to premature failure. I have not decided if I will
buy a rebuilt unit and have a local shop put it in (or attempt it myself and
change the mounts and the shocks in the process) or if I pay an extra $1000
and have VW do it. I will not let a local shop rebuilt it since they are
lacking the experience and apparently the tools to do it. I am glad I got a
lot of info from you all. Being knowledgeable really helps you determine if
the mechanic is competent and honest. I have not found one that I would
trust and I am afraid that having a local guy rebuilt it, would cost me more
than putting a rebuilt unit in. All 3 VW dealers (yes, we have 3 dealers
within 50 miles) in the are will not rebuilt, only swap. I'll keep you
posted on what happens . . . . .
Eckhard
