2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

Hi, All. This past Friday my husband and I noticed that the Passat (2.8 L V6 automatic) seemed to "hunt" between 4th and 5th gear ever so slightly at highway speeds. At times it felt just like road bumps. We didn't notice what the tach was doing. We decided to take it to VW for a check on Saturday. Of course, it didn't behave that way for my husband on the way up. VW called Monday and said the problem was the torque converter and it would cost $2,100 to replace/repair. My husband asked if it would be okay to drive. The tech said it would, but the problem may get worse. Any input? Is $2,100 "reasonable"? We're planning to get rid of the Passat, but don't want to pass on a problem to someone else. Last summer we sank $3000 into replacing the A/C evaporator as well as the water pump and timing belt!

RE: 2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

is it the dsg transmission?? cause from what i know about the dsg transmissions is that there isnt a torque converter on it, but idk i could very very possibly be wrong

RE: 2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

How would I know if it's a dsg transmission (what's that stand for?)? Would it be in the book? Do you know if the transmissions are sealed? The maintenance book only ever says to check the transmission fluid, not change it. Thanks.

RE: 2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

i believe the dsg stands for direct shift gearbox where its basically a manual that one shifts itself and you can shift it without a clutch, the gearshift would go in the order if P-R-N-D-S, it would also be able to go into a mode where you can shirt up and down in gears

RE: 2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

This car has the "Tiptronic" feature, where you can keep it in automatic, or push the gear shifter over and bump the gear up or down.

Called another mechanic who says its very possible VW misdiagnosed the problem, as it's rare for the torque converter to go out. Said it might be the solenoid or the transmission valve body, or possibly the computer sending faulty signals. I'll post the results of this second opinion. In any case, we plan to repair the car then sell it!

RE: 2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

I called a trusted local mechanic who gave me the name of a local transmission shop to take the Passat to for a second opinion. When I called, the mechanic's initial impression was that it was very unusual for the torque converter to go out, and perhaps the problem had been misdiagnosed.Maybea faulty sensor or other problem was to blame. Alas, after running diagnostics and a road test, the problem was indeed the torque converter. My cost for replacement (along with transmission fluid and filter change) was $1,740 (versus VW's quote of $2,100 - plus tax, no doubt). Glad it's fixed - but what's next? Already had to replace the water pump, timing belt and A/C evaporator last summer.

RE: 2003 Passat Wagon torque converter
 

I bet a bottle of anti-slip trans conditioner would have done the trick.