1999 Mk4 Volkswagen Jetta Golf Beetle Transmission Solenoid open circuit codes: DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

So our $400 Jetta had a transmission stuck in limp home mode, and upon scanning it we had ALL THE CODES!!! Also a Hurricane was rolling in during the filming, so I couldn't road test it.
Update: It shifted great!
00258, 00260, 00262, 00264, 00266, 00270... Pretty much every solenoid had an open circuit code. We go to the classroom and put the wiring diagram on the wall, and steer our diagnostic with repair logic.
We then make a giant mess on the floor, but we fix the problem for under $50!
If we helped you fix your transmission problems, please give me a like on the video and subscribe for more content. I am adding new content every week, sometimes TWICE a week. ALSO... I am super proud of all of my viewers fixing their OWN CARS and saving time an money, but also LEARNING! That is what this is about!
Mr. B

[@gregtilley1068]

Your tech videos are extremely informative. They are professional level yet presented in a way that anyone with basic mechanical skills can perform repairs on their own vehicles.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks Greg, that means a lot to me. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your repairs!

[@juanjosecervera6671]

Thank you! This helped me fix my mk4 wagon the connector was loose and dirty, Greetings from Mexico!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Hola para Estados Unidos! Me encanta que yo puedo ayudar.

[@allhandson3489]

What an amazing video I’ve always been weary about MK4 golfs and jettas because of the auto trannys but this gives me so much confidence to tackle them now looks like I’ll be getting a TDI today after all lol

[@hogueraleksander5868]

Awesome video. You should always have the car driving perfect at the end to show your fix. Makes it way nicer to watch. Like putting the cherry on top.

[@michaeldayton1153]

My 1998 beetle has 1-4 solenoids open circuit. I'm going to see if this will clear my codes. Thank you so much for this video!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

No problem Michael, thanks a lot for watching, and good luck with your repair!

[@hikedayley9309]

Great video! Instructor was detail specific. Use your noggin to solve the problem instead of being ripped off at a garage.

[@danielballewske]

I have a 2002 Jetta 2.0L mk4 with the engine code P0748 “Pressure Control Solenoid 1: electrical malfunction. Any ideas on what could be causing this? What kind of solenoid is it and is it hard to fix at home?

[@danthetoolman4311]

I have this code and my car struggles to accelerate

[@RamsayMacFarlane]

SO useful to watch this... I'm having auto woes with a 2009 VW 2.5tdi 6speed and being in the UK we don't have much experience with auto boxes or diagnosing them - garages won't touch it! I'm getting only 5th in forward gears - N and R are selectable and work! Error code is speed sensor P0721 but I can't find a replacement anywhere to test it... Will keep trying! Also had a clunky downshift to 4th for a few months up until the loss of all forward gears (stuck in 5th it would seem).

[@taylarjohnson5642]

So if you are going to change the solenoids, how do you know which ones go where? Are they all the same?

[@Mannyg559]

1998 jetta golf gL 2.0 1-7 shift solenoid electrical circuit. I need help, if I change just the solenoid will it work and shift or do I need to change all wires completely?

[@CooksAcres]

Thank you, I’m going to go take a look.

[@Jeremya74]

A small flashlight pointed at what your talking about,would be helpful at times..thanks for the vid.just trying to help

[@FruitTreeForest]

Thank you. Will check it out.

[@MattBarthold-f6u]

Dose the same wiring harness have the trans temperature sensor in it?

[@thabisotheetso8296]

i bought vw golf 4 is not going forward only reverse is working what could be the problem

[@AphiweNyembe]

Help I'm stuck on 3rd gear on drive but when I shift manually from 1 to 3 works fine but if I put the on drive it's on 3rd gear

[@chapobenally4696]

I was wondering if the wiring harness is also sold separately? If so, it's called a Transmission control module Harness?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I’m pretty sure it is, but I can’t be certain what all it includes.

[@yogeshror5464]

I have jetta 2011 .My car shifts first two gears at 3000-3500 and not have that much power but if i accelerate the rpm goes same but car moves with power. No engine light . Sparks plugs changed. I also clean the valve . Any suggestions????

[@gavyndavis290]

Got a 2002 Jetta 1.8t having sluggish acceleration first step is to change the trans fluid , new filter , gasket , and top it till it’s full . could be a variety of things such as a sensor , a torque converter , try resetting your trans theres vids how to do it

[@maxz8807]

7:10 is throwing me off a bit - shouldn't you then also have an 00300 fault (atf temperature sensor) as it's on the same wire?

[@djgamer420x8]

We're there lights on the dash considering the trans codes?

[@hcooper267]

Thank you,I lorning something from you thank you.I gat a 2000 jetta too.👍🏽

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching!

[@maxz8807]

I've gotten an intermittent 00264 & 00266 (open circuit solenoid 91 & 92). I wasn't able to diagnose it directly over the 12 pin connector. I was able to purchase both a harness and all 7 solenoids online for fairly cheap, once it arrives I'll replace all 7 of them as the car is over 300k km old. If it doesn't fix it, what else could I do? Check for continuity between the tcm and the male end of the 12 pin connector while wiggling the wire? Thanks for the video, transmission work always scares me a bit, especially when vw wanted 1500€ (labor not included) to replace the entire valve body (they don't sell the harness/solenoids separately, you can only purchase the valve body with solenoids and a harness).

[@Jeremya74]

How difficult is it to replace solenoids..I have 2008 Jetta..thanks

[@romannevarez4236]

Hi I have a 08 audi a4 and is in limp mode the PRNDS is illuminate in red and does not get any gear I have codes p1751 voltage too hi and p0750 shift solenoid 1 what will be the problem I will appreciate if you help me thank you

[@BobbL-tf3me]

Yo! Awesome knowledge!! Thank you!!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching!

[@EXOVCDS]

Volkswagen is at the bottom... the alphabet is funny that way.

[@focusedrevenue5208]

Hello I have a 2002 jetta auto. It don't indicate on the dash it going into a gear. And doing it manually it stays in 4th. The codes are shift solenoid b and c. What would you Recommend changing all solenoids? Thanks in advance

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

If inspection of the ribbon harness doesn’t show any flaws, I would probably replace the solenoids as a second step. Thanks for watching!

[@michaeldayton1153]

Ok, I checked and with the key on, I only had 2.4V at the #1 pin hole. Does that mean it is the control module? if so, where exactly is it and is there anything special we need to know about replacing it?

[@maxlinton9445]

I’m having the same problem with mine. Did you ever figure it out?

[@mido578]

Of my god I have the model automatic gearbox golf4 I have problem with it I couldn't find a normal mechanic to fix it alrady I suffer with almost one year I can use it more than 15 munites than when the oil get hot to 90° than start to shift crazy ....I think is the same problem as you explaining....

[@brandonburger6515]

I changed the valve body in my 1999 vw golf 2.0 high rpm for it to move then brake light comes on any idea what els could be wrong

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@brandonburger6515 any codes in the transmission module?

[@brandonburger6515]

@@AutoScholarwithMrBI don’t know how to check I don’t have a scanner like that I have a lil hand one

[@brandonburger6515]

@@AutoScholarwithMrBeveryone I have talked to said it’s the tork canvuter

[@BearBoris]

Great video, very informational! Do you have the part number for the harness?

[@robdebone]

Im getting codes for the pressure control solenoid. After about 15 minutes of driving it goes into limp mode if I clear the code and let the car get cold again I can usually get another 15 minutes out of it before it happens again. I have changed the fluid and filter once before about 6 mos and seem to not happen as often again until it started getting hot outside. I can feel it getting really hot under my ass if I drive too long which is right where the trans is I'm guessing that solenoid isn't working and letting whatever fluid pressure and operation occur? When I drain the fluid last time there was really no shavings or anything like that in the pan. And when everything is working everything runs and sounds good it's only once it gets too hot I'm assuming that it throws the code and goes into limp mode

[@brandonburger6515]

I have a 99 golf I did the same valve body change and my car still the same high rpm when trying to move

[@jpzp896]

Nice 👍🏽 video Mr. B! I’m having the same issue and this is video is very helpful, TY... I wanted to ask where you purchased the transmission ribbon solenoid harness?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I got mine at the dealer, but there are people on eBay that sell it as well.

[@abelarias8156]

Great video thanks for the help

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Thanks for watching Abel!

[@daledassel5658]

I would like a video on how to change the transmission fluid on this 01M.

[@maxrooi3848]

Hi....i have a 2002mdl Bora 2.0lt automatic....car takes gears but didn't want to sift gears in Drive....

[@jamesyoung9233]

I have a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta that will only run 30 miles an hour when it’s in drive but when you put it in manual mode it runs fine through the gears what would the problem be

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I would start with checking the codes for the transmission and engine. Sounds like it is in limp home mode.

[@samialmashwali9098]

What's the part number for that wire?

[@BobbL-tf3me]

Does servicing these vw transmissions help longevity?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Yes, but would not have helped here since this is an electrical issue.

[@BobbL-tf3me]

People junk these cars for exactly this reason. Great video!

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@BobbL-tf3me that’s why this one was junked. This car had a lot of other problems as well.

[@mohameddobrova3216]

I just did this procedure and looks like the issue I'm having is the opposite. No voltage coming from the TCU after metering it the way you did. Any thoughts or ideas? Fuses are fine. I've replaced the TCU with the same part number. Still got the same results. Thanks in advance

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Have you checked the pin from the ecm for power? If you backprobe the pin and it has power, and you don’t have power at the solenoids, then I would overlay a wire from the ecm connector to the transmission connector and retest. Thanks for watching!

[@maxlinton9445]

I’m having the same issue, what pin gets power on the TCU? The video cuts out where it comes from on the schematic.

[@maxlinton9445]

Instead of getting no voltage though, I got 3 volts. Is this an indicator of something else?

[@joeeb3234]

Would that be the same procedure for a vw bug same year?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Most likely.

[@doginu]

Disconnect battery terminals and ground them together, it should drive. See what codes comes back

[@felipearredondo4309]

What is a P0748 solenoid located?

[@craigvinnicombe]

I have a 00258 code, 00281 (vehicle speed sensor) and 00297 (transmission speed sensor) showing all at once. Would this be similar? I had the gearbox serviced as I was told that is why it wasn’t shifting at all. Vehicle - 1999 Audi A3 1.8 20v Auto Mileage:132 500km

[@zacharyzorbas8169]

I'm only getting this issue on solenoid 7 could the grounding grounding issue be the solenoid itself I have a new harness installed already

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Absolutely. Check the resistance of that solenoid with others to see if it is the same. That may give a hint to if it is a bad solenoid. I’ve seen these solenoids fail, and would replace them all if you find one bad.

[@zacharyzorbas8169]

​@@AutoScholarwithMrBabsolutely thank you it's a brand new valve body and the solenoids came pre installed probably just got a bad one again thank you I will get started first thing tomorrow

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Be sure to test the resistance of them, if 7 is way different, you could have a bad one. If not, it could be a control module issue.

[@zacharyzorbas8169]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB Alright Ill make sure they are all around the same resistance worst comes the worst I'm in it for a new tcu but I can't thank you enough for your video and your help personally I've been stuck on this for about a month, I'll give it a try tomorrow and shoot you one last comment to let you know how it went again thank you so much for your video and time

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@zacharyzorbas8169 I’m glad to help!

[@jaz8195]

Any ideas why my automatic 2005 gti won’t shift until it’s warm?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

That is the Jatco unit, it is different than these. I’ve seen this issue many times in them, normally needs a replacement. Sorry for the bad news.

[@jaz8195]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB thanks man. I’m not worried about it. Nothing a used transmission won’t fix. Lol

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@jaz8195 thanks for watching, and good luck!

[@ChudGippity]

i have manual trans in mk4 golf sometimes if i stop and go in neutral on red light for example.. the car doesent want to shift so i turn it off then get it in 2nd gear and drive like that ... when i can i go off the road and change the gears with hand in the engine bay then go in and start and like that the car starts to shift but im not sure i am fixing it like that i bleed the air and the fluid and same thing is back. PLZ HELPPP WITH ADVISE 😥😥😥😥

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Have you changed the gear oil? It could be that simple.

[@ChudGippity]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB yes sir I changed it 2 times already ( Changed the fluid and bleed it for the air to go out... It was shifting for 1km and I stopped then the shifter froze again and did not get in any gear 😔 So i turn it off get it in gear because when it is off it shifts without any problems and the clutch grabs like new i am really in weird position and I need car only to drive to hospital

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@ChudGippity these have issues with the shift forks bending as well. Many times it better to find a used transmission and swap than to do any internal work.

[@ChudGippity]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB omg transmission ? but when it is off the car shifts like new , if it has trans problems it will be like that ? everything ok when it is off but sometimes problem like mine when i drive and go in neutral? IM SO SORRY 🙏 this is last question

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@ChudGippity if the clutch is fine then the transmission is to blame. You may have air in the clutch line as well. It’s hard to say not being able to see it, of course.

[@ariosamigos9032]

My jetta no crank no start and will show to put shift p and n ..last time try start and hold key on swict till 5minit and crank . 4time i do the same thing now my car wont start.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Sounds like maybe your range switch on the transmission may be out of adjustment or faulty. Thanks for watching and good luck with your repair!

[@BobbL-tf3me]

I can't front... I was 😂😂😂😂😂 when... lol

[@LeeHartley]

Nice

[@hiimholdin2397]

I'm not trying to bully but I am seriously amused right now is intro made me think of Rick and Morty doesn't he look like a Mr meeseeks lol love it

[@crescentandstarglory]

Does it not have a drain plug?

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Therion Vovin no, the plug in the bottom is to check the fluid level. To drain it you have to drop the entire pan. This is really common on most automatic transmissions.

[@crescentandstarglory]

@@AutoScholarwithMrB Thank you B. That's a weird design. I enjoyed the video.

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

Therion Vovin thanks for watching!

[@EXOVCDS]

@@crescentandstarglory after removing the 5mm plug, remove the level tube that is inside the drain hole... then all the fluid will come out. Be sure to reinstall the level tube, so that the level can be checked after the transmission is filled again.

[@ismaildemir468]

1996 polo 6n 1.6 aee 75 hp engine jatco automatic trasmision selenoid code.? Thanks.

[@ericlovett9882]

I have a 2000 Beetle,goes in limp mode If I go over 35

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

What codes are you getting?

[@ericlovett9882]

p0722

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@ericlovett9882 need to check the output speed sensor, it’s on the top of the transmission, somewhat in the left rear. They sometimes have a metallic cloth cover in them due to being close to the exhaust manifold. It is a common issue for them to fail.

[@ericlovett9882]

Thanks,.like your videos

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

@@ericlovett9882 thanks for watching!

[@michaeldayton1153]

Now I've got to figure out whats up with my secondary air system. Code says short to ground

[@AutoScholarwithMrB]

I have a video for that as well! It is on the mkiv play list

[@flyingdutchmanindustries5877]

It's not a "tramission". 😂