Transmission slipping into neutral when driving

DANIEL AUSTIN

MEMBER
2008 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1.4L
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
73,000 MILES

When I was driving into work this morning when driving along my car went into neutral and just revved. Pulled over and turned the car off and back on again and it was fine and managed to get to work. It has done it before a couple of times but always works again having turned it off and back on again. Do not receive any dash warning or PRNDS flashing.

3 Replies

F4I_GUY

MECHANIC
3,302 POSTS

I am assuming the car did not physically move the shift lever into neutral? Because if it did, I would investigate the shift linkage.
I assume you meant that the car felt like it was in neutral, meaning the rpm went up, but there was no movement/power. If that is the case I would take a look at the valve body first. One of the valves might be sticking intermittently.
Do you ever experience any harsh or delay shifts?

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Tuesday, September 25th, 2018 AT 5:27 PM

DANIEL AUSTIN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi there, thanks for answering. No, the actual shift lever never moves, the car felt like it moved into neutral and revved with no drive. Also have not been experiencing harsh or delay shifts, in fact it has been driving smooth with no problems gear changing at all.

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Tuesday, September 25th, 2018 AT 11:43 PM

F4I_GUY

MECHANIC
3,302 POSTS

So since this was not a single occurrence there is definitely something that needs to be repaired. First scan the TCM for stored faults. If there are none, check the transmission fluid level and condition. Check for leaks at the transmission pan, transmission harness connector and axle seals. If everything is dry, remove the pan and check for metal filings. If all that is fine, you most likely need a valve body.

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Wednesday, September 26th, 2018 AT 4:02 AM