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    I recently bought a 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle. Now the automatic transmission won't select third or Drive...

    Volkswagen Volkswagen Advice Volkswagen Caravelle Volkswagen Caravelle Advice Volkswagen Caravelle 2002

    I recently bought a 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle. Now the automatic transmission won’t select third or Drive. The gearbox was rebuilt 40,000km ago, and the vehicle has done 360,000km. Everything else is working fine. I have replaced the ECU as I was told that was the problem by the previous owner, but nothing has changed. Do you have any advice?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    24 May 2022
    David Morley

    A modern automatic transmission is an incredibly complex piece of equipment and failure to select gears can be anything from low fluid level to broken clutches or bands, right through to a problem with the valve body.

    A trip to a transmission specialist will probably be worth the investment, if only to rule out the cheap fixes from the potentially expensive ones. As you’ve already discovered, changing random parts in the hope that the problem will disappear is a fast way to empty your wallet and still have a faulty car.

    The first thing to do, however, is to check the fluid level in the transmission. This is often overlooked, but can produce the symptoms you’re seeing.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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