Transmission Problems

1996 Jetta GLS 2.0 litre. When accelerating from a cold start the transmission slips and then somtimes the first major shift is rough. After the car warms this sluggishness seams to disappear? Is this related to my Dash board transmission indicator not lighting up or is this an electrical issue. Does anyone have any suggetions.

Thanks

Sounds like you've lost some fluid. Might want to check for leaks.

Check for low tramsmission fluid and probably the WRONG type of fluid installed. Very critical on VW's, also maybe your screen is plugged not allowing the proper pressure to allow the transmission to shift, this is frequent on an older car. The fluid will thin out do to the engine heat and transmission fluid being warmed up by the trans cooler in front of your radiator.

check for leaks then change fluid

see if problem still exhists

is it a manual?

It might be 1st gear burining out

K   check this out   everyones right here.....possible wrong weight fluid   or low fluid all that stuff.. 1st n 2nd synchro's going which are notorious......BUTTTTTTTTTTTTT If you do do anything   JUST check the fluid level..My thoughts of it being a 96 is that it probably has more than a 120000 on it and the 5 speeds arent cheap-Hell even automatics... If you change the fluid there is a posibility you ill disturb whats going on  (ever heard of people getting their fluids replaced  with a new screen and then the car burns up a tranny? its because all that caked up stuff after its changed floods the new screen and does more harm than good)....Just drive it ...Unless you know a transmission mechanic PERSONALLY.   $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Disassembly
1. Remove electrical connector from back-up light switch housing.
2. Remove nut (B) and balance weight (A) from gear selector cable attachment.
3. Remove gear selector cable from gear selector lever.
4. Disconnect gate selector cable from actuating arm/relay lever (C) by lifting lug in direction of (arrow).
5. Remove 2 bolts securing back up light switch housing (D) and remove housing.
6. Remove self-locking nut (7) and back-up light switch cam sleeve (6).
7. Remove gearshift lever (12).
8. Remove selector shaft housing attachment bolts (arrows). Note: tap housing lightly with brass or plastic mallet to loosen.
9. Remove selector shaft with housing from transmission.

Modification
1. Enlarge both selector shaft housing attachment holes to 9 mm (approx. 23/64 in.).
2. Reinstall selector shaft with housing using sealant AMV 188 200 03 or equivalent, then adjust according to one of the following conditions:

Vibration or knocking from 1st or 3rd gear: Turn housing right (clockwise as far as possible). Vibration or knocking from 2nd or 4th gear: Turn housing left (counter clockwise as far as possible). Torque bolts to 25 Nm. (18-ft. lb.).
 
 
Installation
1. Reinstall gearshift lever.
2. Reinstall back-up light switch cam sleeve (always use a new self-locking nut). Torque nut to 25 Nm. (18-ft. lb.).
3. Reinstall gate selector cable to actuating arm/relay lever by lifting lug (C) in direction of (arrow).
4. Reconnect gear selector cable to gear selector lever (position cable pivot in center of slot on selector lever).
5. Reinstall balance weight (A).
6. Reinstall back-up light switch housing (D).
7. Reinstall back-up light switch electrical connector.
8. Road test the vehicle, making sure the vibration and knocking is gone
 
 
this is the diissammbleely....i can't spell of the shifter it might be simpler than you thought..................just a guess

I couldn't of said it better than kinky1977,
 
but if you know tranny's go on ebay they are pretty cheap...........comparing to pro shops