I dont know much about cars but there is definately something wrong with mine. need help...?

Question

I have a 2004 Volkswagen jetta. Like I said I dint know anything about cars. Not the speedometer but the other Gage that goes from to seven, after it gets up to 4 it wont shift gears anymore. I am trying to figure out what it could be best and worse possible scenario and about how much I am looking at spending. just a guesstimate

Answer 1

I've got some really bad news for you.

The gauge you're talking about is the Tachometer (tach) and it measures engine revolutions per minute.

Your car isn't shifting because it is in safe mode.  Safe mode is what your transmission does when it has sensed a major problem.  This mode is only meant to get you to a shop for repairs so you're not stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Here's the really bad news.  You probably need a new transmission.  On a VW I bet that will be around $2,000.00.

There is a possibility it isn't that bad though.  Maybe just shift linkage.  Does neutral act like drive now?  Maybe just a computer problem.  Hard to be positive until it's at the shop.

It would be very early for a 2004 to need a transmission but it is all based on mileage.  If you've got a 100,000 miles on it then it's definitely a new transmission.

Crossing my fingers it's something minor for you!

Answer 2

I can tell you this much, it probably the transmission, the clutch, or the gear box.  The clutch is the cheapest to repair, but that is also the least likely in this situation (unless right before this started the clutch felt "spongy" or required extra pressure to engage it).  If it's the gear box this is the intermediate of the three and if it's the transmission it's the most expensive (most vehicles it's around $1000 but depends).  You're best bet is to take it down to your mechanic and let him look at it.  Make sure you tell him exactly what it is doing from what you have here to any other small things like any noise, pressure differences with the clutch, etc.  I know my answer isn't very detailed but I hope this helps.

Answer 3

what kind of transmission is it automatic or manual? That will make a difference in what the answer is.

Either way, though, there is something wrong with the transmission and you should take it to a good mechanic.

Answer 4

The biggest question for you is there a check engine light? Look where the gauges are(fuel gauge, temp gauge, ect.) and see if there is a light that either looks like an engine or it says check engine. And is there any loss in power.

Sounds like to me either its in limp mode, or your transmission fluid is very very low.

Take it into a dealership it might cost depending on your location around 70 to 110 for diagnosis thats when the figure out what the actual problem is. Then who knows what the price tag will be after that 50$ for fluid to 2000$ for a transmission.

Answer 5

ok the guage you are talking about is the Tachometer....it sounds like. is the car a standard or auto?

my brothers 08 infinity went into safe mode a while back because the ecu was crapping out. it limped him to the dealer though.