How to Reset Automatic Transmission

[GTI_PAT]

Does anyone know how to reset the Automatic Transmission. I pulled some plugs last night while I was cleaning (no water) the engine, and the CE light came on and now the tranny changes gears at 4000. I read one time that MKIVs have an adaptive automatic transmission that can be reset to the driver's style. Does this apply to my '98 GLX?
I tried making a search, but I couldn't find anything.
Any help would be great.

[Frankenwagen]

You didn't get any results to your search, because the automatic transmission is rarely referred to on this forum. Lucky for you, I have have one, as well as a Bentley

Here's the info from that:
Ignition on (not engine)
Gas pedal down all the way for min. of 5 seconds
Ingition off

Or you can use the vag-com. Hopefully this helps?


[Modified by Frankenwagen, 2:01 PM 4-15-2002]

[dr()opy]

so at what rpm point does either of your Vr6 auto trannies shift at...? and what's the normal shift points also..?

[RonN]

1. Put your key in the ignition and turn ignition to the on position (the position right before you start the car)
2. Hold down the gas pedal pressing the button under the pedal for at least 20 seconds.
3. Let foot off pedal and start car. Be sure that you do no turn ignition off because that will void the reset

[GTI_PAT]

Awesome, thanks Frankenwagen and FastVR6VW for your help.
I am going outside right now....good to know there are some helpful dubbers out there I can count on.

[Frankenwagen]

dr()opy......

shift points vary depending on the amount the throttle is depressed, as well as the "mode" the transmission is in (there are two, equating to 'sport' and 'econo').

Under passive/normal driving it shifts soon (especially out of 1st), and under hard driving it shifts later, but still quite quickly out of first (unless you are literally flooring it).

hope this helps a little.

[LIQUIX]

so how do u put it into "sport" mode? I heard about this a while ago.

[dr()opy]

Thanks Frankenwagen.....! for your reply..!

[hotpprs]

Just wanted to update this for the archives because this post seems to conflict with most of the other ones I've seen on this topic.
I used the procedure where you turn the ignition off after you hold down the pedal, and that worked. I took the key out and then put it back in and restarted the car and it still held the reset.
Maybe it does work if you just start the car after the 20 seconds also, I wouldn't know and can't try it being that my car is OK now. But from my experience, turning the key off does not void the reset.
I have a 2002 Jetta TDI wagon automatic. I just started having problems around 39,000 miles, in reverse and 1st gear. Reverse seemed like it didn't want to engage, but reading other posts, it just takes longer than normal when the adaptive transmission settings are messed up. In first gear, it would lurch forward when I just touched the accelarator, but was fine in the other gears.
Good thing I found the posts on this reset procedure, everyone should know about this. I was ready to schedule an appointment, and it's Christmas week, and I didn't need the hassle of begging the dealer for an emergency appointment, and being without my car for a day or two when I have so many things to do.
Also, just realized that the transmission is a closed system, you can't check or add transmission fluid like most cars. Why can't they just put a note about this in the index so you don't have to go through hoops to find this out? I had 5 of my co-workers baffled on why we all couldn't find the transmission dipstick!
Maybe it's in the service manuals somewhere, but if it is, it should be easier to find.

[Fantomasz]

so how long keep foot on pedal? what happen if I hold longer? will not reset?

[hotpprs]

I think it's just a minimum of 20 seconds to activate the reset so you don't do it by mistake.
I imagine it wouldn't make a difference how long you keep it pressed past 20 seconds.

[T99inFL]

Quote, originally posted by Frankenwagen »

You didn't get any results to your search, because the automatic transmission is rarely referred to on this forum. Lucky for you, I have have one, as well as a Bentley Here's the info from that: Ignition on (not engine) Gas pedal down all the way for min. of 5 seconds Ingition off [Modified by Frankenwagen, 2:01 PM 4-15-2002]

The above is the alternate procedure to perform the transmission adaptation (synchronize to the throttle body) without Vag-Com.

Now if you want to engage Sport mode on a Mk IV:
Ignition on (not engine)
Depress the gas pedal TWICE to activate the kickdown switch
Release the gas pedal and Immediately start the car
Notice how it shifts different?


Modified by T99inFL at 3:16 AM 12-22-2003

[86gtipos]

thats good info, some other info we should all know is
up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right , a, b, select start gets you alot of guys in contra.....

[cnap]

Quote, originally posted by 86gtipos »

thats good info, some other info we should all know is up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right , a, b, select start gets you alot of guys in contra.....

Dude, it's B, A then Start (or Select Start for two players)

[passat_guy21]

Quote, originally posted by cnap »

Dude, it's B, A then Start (or Select Start for two players)

Agreed!!

[DaFabolous2.0]

Quote, originally posted by hotpprs »

I had 5 of my co-workers baffled on why we all couldn't find the transmission dipstick!

the 01M, 09A trannies dont have the traditional dipstick, its a "sealed" tranny... you need to get the kit for the dipstick at the dealer, its a small tube that screws in the pan and when filling the transmission, check to see if there's fluid dripping out of there...

01M Transmission, Checking ATF Level, Changing ATF

[DaFabolous2.0]

Quote, originally posted by T99inFL »

The above is the alternate procedure to perform the transmission adaptation (synchronize to the throttle body) without Vag-Com. Now if you want to engage Sport mode on a Mk IV: Ignition on (not engine) Depress the gas pedal TWICE to activate the kickdown switch Release the gas pedal and Immediately start the car Notice how it shifts different? Modified by T99inFL at 3:16 AM 12-22-2003

just curious on the bolded part, how long to hold the pedal down? same 20 second deal?

[VR6boi65]

Does this reset system work with the 'ancient' 096 trannies from the 95 and earlier vr's?

[petesell]

Quote, originally posted by T99inFL »

The above is the alternate procedure to perform the transmission adaptation (synchronize to the throttle body) without Vag-Com. Now if you want to engage Sport mode on a Mk IV: Ignition on (not engine) Depress the gas pedal TWICE to activate the kickdown switch Release the gas pedal and Immediately start the car Notice how it shifts different? Modified by T99inFL at 3:16 AM 12-22-2003

wondering if this still works (or makes any difference) w/chipped ecu?

[13minutes]

Quote, originally posted by DaFabolous2.0 »

just curious on the bolded part, how long to hold the pedal down? same 20 second deal?

No, you just click the switch twice.

Now does resetting the transmission put it back in economy mode, or does it reset to the basic sport programming?

[fandfurious88]

I tried the "sport mode" hack and didn't notice any different. I have a drive-by-cable, not drive-by-wire - does this make a difference? also must i start it instantly after releasing the gas pedal?

[mujjuman]

Quote, originally posted by T99inFL »

The above is the alternate procedure to perform the transmission adaptation (synchronize to the throttle body) without Vag-Com. Now if you want to engage Sport mode on a Mk IV: Ignition on (not engine) Depress the gas pedal TWICE to activate the kickdown switch Release the gas pedal and Immediately start the car Notice how it shifts different? Modified by T99inFL at 3:16 AM 12-22-2003

just wondering, what would happen after driving around after doing the sport mode, and you shut off the car, then start it up again? would it be still in sport mode or would it reset back to normal?

[mujjuman]

anyone bump please??

[Thrasis]

Will the sport selection (twice down) have any effect on a tiptronic?

[mujjuman]

someone bump

[PBWB]

im interested in this too

[Fantomasz]

the best way to play with tranny is to recode transmission with vag-com.look at my thread.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2063606

[blackshoeshine]

is there a procedure like this for MK3?

[sworksguy]

I did the "tap twice" step with our '00 VR6 Jetta 4spd, and all I can say is, "THANK YOU!" to those who figured this out!

The car FINALLY works like I expeted it to, when we got it 5 years ago!

[Deadman]

Now, if I put my car into "sport" mode, and want to change it back to "Ecconomy" or "Normal" mode, how would I do that??

Just asking in case I have to make another 5 hour road trip and don't want to waste gas.

Thanx all.

[Hengst]

I think VW has complicated things. I've seen many cars (OLDER cars too) with the basic, Econo and Power mode (or Normal or Power Mode) switches. Why didn't they just do that??? All this programming with Adaptive tranny etc... what a nightmare. AND they don't tell you about it in the manual. There are times i was to drive slow, it should be just a flick of a button.

[kicemocha2]

95 Golf 2.0 4dr. i've been having this transmission problem which when i accerate to 3000rpm, it jumps to 4000. i tried the method it seems work~ i tried the sport mode, cant' tell if it kicks. going to have the golf checked tomorrow. first VW car. looking forward~

[skoty]

All I can say is THANK YOU SO MUCH! Everyone with a MKIV Auto needs to know about this. Pushing the throttle 2 times didnt do anything, but the 20 seconds did. I didn't know my 2.0 could even go like that! Thank you so much, that has put a massive smile on my face.

[Petercar]

I did this procedure on my '03 Tip. I use tip 99% of the time.
Am I imagining better faster smoother shifts ? (20 sec reset)

[Thaya]

I wonder the 20sec would work on my 2000 golf turbo?