Auto tranny stuck in 2nd gear

[danyz250f]

So there is this tsi awd in town at a garage, I guess gettting fixed but it is also for sale by the owners of the car. The mechanic said that it is stuck in second gear. He also said it is probably electrical and could easily be fixed. He said that when somethig goes wrong the car will just stay in second untill the glitch is fixed. A safety feature I guess.

I am considering buying the car. The sticker says 3000 obo but I only have a 1000. By the time the guy pays the shop to fix the car it might be worth just selling the car to me for 1000. The car is maroon with red interior rare indeed. The only cosmetic thing wrong I believe is the dash on the drivers side is peeling up really bad.

So really is there a common problem with the autos getting stuck in second?

 

[toybreaker]

A little more information (like the year ) would result in a more accurate, complete answer.

"Stuck in second" is the fail safe for many internal tranny problems, as well as a few electrical ones.

More than likely the shop has probably already plugged the car in and retrieved any trouble codes/diagnosed the problem/written an estimate.

You need that information to get an idea of what it will cost them, (or you) to fix it.

If it's something simple, and external, (like a speed sensor), it could be a screaming deal at a k-buck. (providing the rest of the car is super clean)

If it's something more dramatic, and internal, (like slipping clutches/bands), it could be up for a total transmission overhaul, equalling if not surpassing the value of the vehicle.

If it's been driven any distance stuck in second gear, some collateral damage may also have occured.

Starting from second will cause a ton of convertor slip. That will create a bunch of heat, and with it, extra wear. Just driving it a short distance, and starting and stopping it a bunch will begin to damage expensive stuff pretty quickly.

In addition, being stuck in second will also seriously limit the speed. In order to get any where time efficiently, you'll be taching some pretty serious rpms.....

Anyway, buying a car with a tranny problem could be a bit of a pig in a poke proposition.

I've fixed a couple of 1g cars with that exact tranny symptom/issue, cost effectively, (speed sensors, tps, and repairs to their harnesses, and other easy fixes...)

I've also had to write estimates involving a removal, rebuild/replacement, and reinstallation of an automatic tranny because it's beyond a simple fix.

A tranny R&R and overhaul is really expensive, and the money spent repairing a tranny could be better spent. ( like building a stroker motor, or buying a turbo and the supporting mods. )

I would suggest you talk to the vehicle owner, and the shop owner to see what's what before you make any kind of offer.

A few things you can check yourself...

Smell the fluid, wipe the stick across a clean paper towel, and inspect it carefully under a strong lite. Excessively dark/burnt fluid, or sparklies are signs you should run the other way.

Check the exterior of the tranny for leaks, and look under the car for wet spots. Atf will cause all kinds of trauma if it's allowed to leak all over the underside of the car. The rubber bushings will soften/swell, and the bushings on the control arms, exhaust hangars and etc, will deteriorate, creating problems further down the road.

Ask to see the invoice, and make note of the codes.

Be patient, if you act anxious, the owner will know you really want it, and will price it accordingly.

Play it cool, and if it's meant to be, you'll be explaining to your wife/girlfriend why they can't park in the driveway, (again....) because the new project has arrived. Helpfull hint; try and park it over the oil spots from the previous project, that way it looks less obvious you just bought another p.o.s....when it marks it's spot....

Good luck, and let us know what you find out.

 

[danyz250f]

Wow thats alot of good info.

The car is a 1gb not reall sure what year but if I were to guess I think it would be a 94. The only cosmetic damage I saw was the paint on the roof is pretty oxidised and the dash in front of the passanger is peeling up. I didnt pop the hood so I dont know how it looks under there.

Thanks for all the info