No shifting when cold

[Altimasee]

Hey guys, My 98 Jetta VR6 has been sitting in my garage for almost a year (the house and wife comes first) I was wondering why my car doesn't engage when put in R or D when cold. I have to drive it around the block and warm it up so it shifts normally. I know trans fulid expands when warm. When put in R or D it revs pretty high and then SLAM it kicks in gear and moves. The cardboard box I had underneath the car while it was in storage was soaked with looked like some red fluid. The coolant is fine. It must be AT fluid? Should I flush and refill. The car has 120K and still the same original fluid? Any help would be great!

[jtappert]

that SLAM is most likely causing internal damage. Probably should do that. If there is ATF on the floor. You are low on fluid. Shouldn't drive it low on fluid. First matter at hand, figure out where its leaking from because no matter what else you do if its leaking your burnt. Second change filter and fluid.

If you still are having problems(which you very well might), might be looking at a new valve body or trans.

I think the 98 vr6 has an 01m like my 2000 vr6

Very reliable transmission :sarcasm:

If your gonna end up needing a new trans just do a 5 speed swap.

[Altimasee]

I hope it's just because the fluid is low. Once the car is warmed up at operating temp it shifts great. I know that fluid expands when warm but the last trip I take should be a trip to the indy and get it checked out. I shoot for that this week.

[CoolAirVw]

Your probably low. Fill it before driving.