I recently bought a 1997 jetta GL. i figured it'd be a cheap fix but i cant figure out whats wrong with it. the tranny has no reverse and no 2nd, they just grind. i added some gear oil to it and it just pours out, idk which trans seal is bad, the leak is coming from where the axels meet at the tranny. also would fixin it bring back 2nd and reverse? any help would be great.

 

I have a 99 jetta (98 body style) that had the similar problem with the trans. Unless you got this car for a low price or are in love with it you will be needing a new trans at the very least. The axel boots would at to the cost and while doing the work change the clutch and the main seal. The trans if new (rebuilt is risky and not much cheaper) will cost $1500.00 alone. The whole job cost me $2500 including labor. Hope this helps.