gearbox problem

[dubster]

hi all ,
my friend has a mk 3 cabrio which has the auto g/box and is experiencing a few problems with it , sometimes it slips out of gear , sometimes it sticks in gear , sometimes nothing at all , before he gets ripped off we are wondering if there are any common / simple to fix problems with these , i dont have any experience with auto,s so am at a loss.. but i have heard these g/box's has a few sensors ?....any advice would be apreciated....
thanks in advance

[DubSteve]

Auto's are slushbox's and really crap! Swap it for a manual and may you have many happy times

[ryana89]

Im not sure as to the quality in comparison,
but whenever either of the auto trannys in our old Falcon or 626 got a bit cranky, we simply had it taken for a general service (oil change, possible seals change, filters ect).
The box would run like new after that.

Aparantly automatics (older ones) need yearly (maybe 2) servicing to keep them happy.

[Golf Loon]

Terrible autos in the Golf 3s.
Options are secondhandie, probably $2500 fitted at least and good luck.
Fully rebuilt, at least $6k
Or Manual conversion, $3500 with new clutch and should never break again.

[dubster]

hi ,
thanks for the quick replys, unfortunatley the manual swap is not an option for him....but your right , it would be better..
as for the service ..he was hoping to avoid getting ripped for something that may be a common thing like a faulty sensor...
i suppose he will just have to pay the cash and take it garage...
cheers

[camhaz]

Get the fliud levels checked first as this 'box is apprently very sensitive to levels. This probably needs to be done by a VW service person as there is no dipstick and the box is meant to be at a certain temperature to check it properly.

Cheers, Rob