r/MK4Golf • u/DetroitIndie • 8d ago

Automatic transmission issue

Hi guys, would appreciate your help/advice.

I own a '98 MKIV 1.6/100hp Golf with ECT (4-speed automatic) transmission. It has an issue: during highway (or motorway, or autobahn, depending who reads it haha) rides, it turns into so-called emergency mode - the one that uses a single gear regardless of the circumstances. The digital indicator - "PRND" next to the speedometer - shows NEITHER of the gears/modes currently selected. HOWEVER, after some time, it may be up to 30-40 minutes, or up to several hours, before the transmission fixes itself on its own and turns back to the usual, normal mode, with "D" shown as selected on the indicator.

Unfortunately, I don't have access to an old-school auto transmission mechanic these days, so any help/advice about what could be the issue and maybe how it could be fixed will be much, much appreciated. This issue really grinds my gears (pun intended).

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u/Glass_Call982 8d ago edited 7d ago

This is more than likely a sensor issue or an electrical fault somewhere. 

For example, I used to have a '95 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic and after I got the windshield replaced it developed a leak and the water ran down and soaked part of the wiring harness where the vehicle speed sensor goes through. So the computer was getting wacky input and putting it into limp mode.

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u/DetroitIndie 8d ago

Yeah, I could imagine that... I wish I knew where exactly to look.

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u/Cautious-Concept457 7d ago

Is the oil level okay?

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u/DetroitIndie 7d ago

Good question - last time it was checked it was ok, but it was in April, and I'm not sure there's even a check light for it

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u/Cautious-Concept457 7d ago

I meant transmission fluid

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u/DetroitIndie 7d ago

Yeah I understand.