Is this a DIY that could be attempted by a shade tree mechanic (me) with garage? Not by me, and probably not by you, if you have to ask the question. You really need a garage with a lift and engine hoist.

What is a ballpark on the labor if I have a shop do the R&R on the used transmission? Around here, maybe $1000.

Are there mechanics that actually rebuild these transmissions? What should I expect there? Sure. There are also many places that do a half-assed job. When I looked into the local AAMCO, it turned out they jobbed out ZF transmissions to a guy who did them in his basement. OTOH, there's a import-transmission specialist not far from me who rebuilds them with factory parts for about $3000, installed. With a 13 month, unlimited mileage warranty.

 

1. It would be helpful if you posted your location, year, engine, auto or 5spd etc

2. Before reaching in your wallet, have your car scanned. Write down the codes and post them here

3. Is the passenger side floor wet? Many times sunroof drain gets clogged causing the TCM to get wet

4. Was your estimate from a big-box tranny shop? ZF transmissions are tricky so I would ONLY go with somebody VW/Audi trained

5. Checked tranny fluid level? Are you using OEM fluid?

6. Car in limp mode?

 

Mpmoe

Good questions. I will answer below.

Cheers

1. It would be helpful if you posted your location, year, engine, auto or 5spd etc

The car is a 2002 Passat 1.8l with triptronic automatic. I am located in Raleigh, NC.

2. Before reaching in your wallet, have your car scanned. Write down the codes and
post them here

I had the car towed to my regular shop and they scanned the OBD2. The CEL was on and the error codes came back
as incorrect gear ratios or something. I can get the specific codes and post later.

3. Is the passenger side floor wet? Many times sunroof drain gets clogged causing the TCM to get wet

I have solved all the typical Passat leak issues and there are no wet areas.

4. Was your estimate from a big-box tranny shop? ZF transmissions are tricky so I would ONLY go with somebody VW/Audi trained

My first estimate ($4,800) was from my regular shop to R&R a $3,800 rebuilt transmission from VW. That's not going to happen! I got
a second estimate from a local transmission rebuilder for $3,800 to completely rebuild with a 3yr/36K warranty. A rebuild would be my first
choice but not at that price for this car.

5. Checked tranny fluid level? Are you using OEM fluid?

The fluid level was fine as it was checked a week ago when it was in the shop for a brake booster pump.

6. Car in limp mode?

I wish. It literally died with a thunk as I was pulling away from a stop light. The RPMs revved, and there was no forward or reverse gear engagement after that.

Thanks,
Chip

 

scotts,

Thanks for the advice.

You are probably correct about the DIY.

I just got off the phone with a local rebuilder who wanted $3,800 to rebuild and incl a 3yr/36k warranty. I thinks that's a little too much to spend on this car.

I could spend up to $2K but I'm leery about using a salvage yard transmission.

 

I could spend up to $2K but I'm leery about using a salvage yard transmission.

I just remembered about a controversial guy on Audiforums that repaired his transmission with a kit from Transtar Industries Inc.
He also had the TQ rebuilt by Dacco of Detroit (of Orlando, FL), and followed the instructions for rebuild from the manual purchased from ATSG.
His plight at the time made it at least for an interesting reading.
I'm sorry your tranny decided to quit. You should scan the car though before anything else, as moe suggested.

 

Auto trans are very heavy. Quite a job and if you haven't done something similar before, it might be to overwhelming. And very easy to screw something up, like not align the transmission with the torque converter and killing the transmission pump. Plus you don't want to do all that work if you are not certain the salvaged transmission is in good shape. You can pull your engine and the trans out together with the subframe, you wouldn't need an engine hoist and that way you can easily see what you're doing. And have an access to other things if they need replacement. But it's a big job, impossible to say how long it would take you. Unless you have a spare car, don't even consider it.

 

Having lived in High Point my top choice would be Tom (PW screen name vdubnluvn) from Everything Euro. All others have good local reputations.

Everything Euro
3190 Peters Creek Pkwy
Winston Salem,NC 27127
336-577-3484
Everything Euro – European Auto Repair | Winston Salem, NC

Apex Tuning
1700 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27523
(919) 231-0094
Apex Tuning | Repair Service & Tuning for your VW & Audi | Raleigh, Durham & Cary

Washburn Motorsports
2620 Rowland Road, Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 850-4355
Washburn Motorsports - VW Audi Porsche Service and Repairs - Raleigh NC

Might want to check out http://forums.ncdubs.org/index.php

 

Take a look at Overland Parts. They have a web site with an online catalog which lists new transmissions. Buying a used transmission with 116k miles is taking a major risk.

 

It really depends on how comfortable you are with your "shade tree skills". If you do not feel comfortable then find someone else. It is better to pay someone than deal with the frustration of one that is acting crazy after you go thru it. If you do decide to try it then the first thing to remember is most automatic transmissions have to be extremely clean when reassembled. Here is a post I saved awhile back for future ref and the book labor rate if you decide to take it to someone

Thread where someone rebuilds the valve body. http://www.passatworld.com/forums/4...sat-b5-discussion/313925-crash-course-5hp-19fl-surgery-pics-ones-you-sipes.html

PDF from Audi on troubleshooting and diagnosing the 01V & 01L transmission. http://www.allroadfaq.com/downloads/technical/audi_o1v_o1vl.pdf


Per All Data Book labor for overhaul is 17.4 standard rate (Mfg warranty rate is 12.1 btw)
+++++++++++++ plus 1.5 for overhaul of the valve body
+++++++++++++ plus 0.6 for flushing the cooler and lines

To replace it with another unit is 6.6 hrs labor

 

Was the ATF level checked at the correct temp and with the engine running ?

I think it is more likely a problem with the TCM or wiring (water damage) than the transmission itself.

Get the TCM and ECM scanned with VCDS and post the codes.
It would not be nice to get the transmission replaced and find you still have the same problem.

 

I think it is more likely a problem with the TCM or wiring (water damage) than the transmission itself.

Get the TCM and ECM scanned with VCDS and post the codes.
It would not be nice to get the transmission replaced and find you still have the same problem.

ROFL! There was a guy over on VWvortex who went through three transmissions before I was able to convince him to look at the TCM... Guess what the problem was?

 

I am pushing 400+ through a salvage yard transmission. I refuse to drop 3k + on a built box. Whenever my trans goes, i just pick up a new junkyard tranny. It's cheaper and since I'm able to swap them out myself; much more cost effective.

I recommend low balling the salvage yard hard on their transmission and doing it yourself. There's most likely a detailed write up right here on this forum.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.

It is official the transmission is shot. ECM codes incl 91706 Transmission faulty and several incorrect gear ratio errors. When the car is in drive or reverse, there is no connection and the vehicle is free wheeling.

After calling around to different shops and rebuilders, I have compiled a wide array of prices to rebuild ($2,600-3,800) and replace ($3,800 for new vw, 950 for salvage). The labor to R&R is $630. I'm leaning toward a salvage transmission at this point for around $1,600.

I'm in Raleigh, NC. Does anyone have any good salvage yards or sources you can recommend?

Thanks again,
Chip

 

LKQ in Raleigh has 2 Passats Greensboro has 4 Charlotte had about 4 as well. A used transmission is still a crap shoot. I'm in the process of swapping my auto to a 5 speed. So far I have all the parts for the conversion and spent approx $725. Still have to put it in but far less than buying another automatic. Going to have Everything Euro in Winston Salem help me with the install.

 

If you want to go blindly down that path that's your choice.
But be aware, that the ECU can't read anything from the transmission it gets its info from the TCU, if the TCU or associated parts are faulty how reliable do you think that would be.
If you do actually want help from this forum, you will need to provide the info requested such as the codes from a full scan of the TCU & ECU, and how the ATF level was checked.

 

Maybe it worked out OK. But other readers, best to go through the diagnostic steps, ask me about replacing a 98 A6 fuel pump, and that not being the problem. It was the original one with 240,000 miles on it, there is an access panel in truck, so easy to get two, and the vehicle did seem have some fuel pressure issues. At least that is what I tell myself to avoid saying I wasted a lot of time and money.

 

Update

Found a used transmission with 19K miles for $961 shipped and no core fee.

My guy quoted $630 to service the replacement and R&R.

Thanks everyone!

 

Hey Im in the raleigh area as well and am looking for the same work on my tranny as you had done. Who did your work, would you recommend?