I have a 1998 VW Jetta and on cold day it will start but not move until the temperature gauge, goes up to half. But on warm days, it start and drive with no problem

Asked by ScorpionKing Jan 18, 2017 at 05:48 PM about the 1998 Volkswagen Jetta

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Start fine and when warm drive, fine but on cold days have to sit for 10-15 min until the car heat up and able to move.

2 Answers

3,905

I guess it's an automatic drive? Could be related to the oil (viscosity) in the gearbox, could check it at a good shop. Does it have a dipstick for the gearbox oil? Try putting it on a clean white napkin and if it looks like burnt oil (dark brown/dark red or more brownish) it could be time to change it. Also check for metal flakes, once the car ran on burnt oil, you could expect the transmission to slip or worse.

45,165

yea sounds like what banzay said its likely the transmission fluid is old and jsut not warm enough to allow the gears to move. It would be like molasses its tough cold but moves nice when its warm. if you have never changed the trany fuild now would be a good time to service it. do this either at a mr transmission, audi dealer or a trusted Audi/Vw Specialist shop (best price likely)

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    12,330
  • #2
    Goodwrench707
    Reputation
    5,400
  • #3
    Ed92626
    Reputation
    4,630
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Passat
17 Great Deals out of 502 listings starting at $3,500
Used Honda Civic
190 Great Deals out of 4,208 listings starting at $2,916
Used Honda Accord
59 Great Deals out of 1,026 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
44 Great Deals out of 1,140 listings starting at $3,900
Used Volkswagen Golf
39 Great Deals out of 551 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota Corolla
137 Great Deals out of 2,258 listings starting at $3,495
Used Hyundai Elantra
143 Great Deals out of 3,056 listings starting at $3,300
Used Nissan Altima
32 Great Deals out of 714 listings starting at $654
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
23 Great Deals out of 593 listings starting at $6,898
Used Chevrolet Malibu
46 Great Deals out of 1,132 listings starting at $2,995
Used BMW 3 Series
66 Great Deals out of 1,237 listings starting at $3,995

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.