VW Jetta Auto Trans Failure: Gear Display & Rough Shifts

Had the same symptoms on a 2004 VW Passat TDI. The gear selector issue started gradually with inconsistent readings on the electronic display, then developed into transmission control problems. The main issue was a faulty transmission control unit combined with a worn gear shift sensor. The car dashboard would show incorrect gear positions and the transmission would shift erratically. Initial diagnosis revealed communication errors between the selector and control module. This was definitely a serious issue requiring specialized attention. The complete repair involved: Replacing the transmission control unit, Installing a new gear shift position sensor, Recalibrating the electronic control systems, Updating transmission software The repair took 3 full days at an authorized transmission specialist. These symptoms typically indicate a significant electronic/mechanical combination problem rather than just a display malfunction. The grinding sounds particularly point to potential mechanical wear accelerated by the sensor problem. Recommend getting it diagnosed at a transmission specialist who can properly scan the control systems. Continuing to drive with these symptoms risks causing additional transmission damage.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Im having identical issues with my 2003 Jetta, electronic display showing wrong gears and transmission behaving strangely. Really worried about the grinding noise but your info about the gear selector and sensor problem helps a lot. Did you remember roughly what the total repair cost was? Also wondering if youve had any similar transmission issues since getting it fixed or if the repair sorted everything out completely? The shift knob on mine is also feeling quite loose now so hoping thats related to the same problem.

Following up on your questions, I can confirm the repair completely resolved all the transmission and gear indicator issues. The instrument panel now displays correct gear positions and the transmission shifts smoothly without any grinding noises. The total cost came to 1000€ for replacing the defective control unit, which included fixing the gear shift sensor and recalibrating the system. The loose shift knob you mentioned was actually part of the same problem in my case, it was related to the faulty sensor connection. Once they replaced the control unit and adjusted the digital display components, the shifter felt solid again. Its been running perfectly for over a year now with no recurring transmission problems. The repair might seem expensive but fixing it properly prevented more serious transmission damage. A properly functioning gear indicator and control system is crucial for protecting the transmission components. If your symptoms match what I experienced, getting it checked by a qualified transmission specialist should resolve everything just like it did in my case.

After dealing with the problematic gear selector and transmission issues in my Jetta, I finally took it to a certified transmission specialist last week. The electronic display was showing completely wrong gear positions and the grinding sounds were getting worse. Turns out my transmission control unit was failing and the gear shift sensor needed replacement, just like you experienced. The repair took 4 days total, they had to order some specific parts for the car dashboard system. Final cost was 1200€ but they did a thorough job including: New transmission control module, Gear position sensor replacement, Full system calibration, Software updates The transmission now shifts perfectly and the gear indicator shows the correct positions. No more grinding or loose shift knob issues. Really glad I got it fixed before any major transmission damage occurred. Thanks for helping me understand what I was dealing with, saved me from going to my old mechanic who probably would have missed the electronic control issues completely.