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.

45,175

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)

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