I drive an automatic 2012 Beetle and about 5-6 months ago, I started experiencing the following:
- "Kicking" when braking
- What felt like "un-smooth" gear shifting (on an automatic car)
- Illuminated "wrench" light
These would always occur together but didn't occur on a daily basis. I almost felt like it would mostly occur on days where I wouldn't warm up my car to at least 105 degrees. I called VW service and explained my problem and was told by that tech that I should bring my car in for inspection. Two days later, on my first day off, I called VW to inform them that I was on my way to drop off my car. This time, I was speaking with a new tech and according to him, the "wrench" light only serves as a service reminder and that it has nothing to do with how the car is functioning. I wasn't due for a service for at least another 4-5 months (based on date and miles.) I informed him how the tech I spoke with just two days ago seemed concerned and had asked me to bring in the car. The new tech disagreed and told me it was not necessary to bring in the car and that I shouldn't be concerned and that if the light is really annoying me, then I can bring in my car to have the "wrench" light re-set.
Update from Apr 27, 2017: I decided to wait. After another month of random occurrences of the same three symptoms, I took my car in. I was still a few thousand miles away from needing my car serviced but decided to do it early, hoping it will resolve this issue. I drop off my car and was told by the tech that I am also due for a diagnostic check which will also help diagnose any errors bringing the cost of my 60,000 mileage service to $280. This occurred in February 2017, two months ago.
The service however, did not resolve the problem. I finally took my car in yesterday and explained to the tech what was going on. The tech tells me that I need a diagnostic scan, which will cost $134. I inform him that I just had one done in February. He checks the computer and tells me I only had an oil change. I tell him that I was charged $280 for my service in February which included a diagnostic scan and that I would need to be refunded if that wasn't ever done. Suddenly, he finds the report. I dropped off my car around 10:30 A.M. and was told that I'll have an update by 2:30 PM. The tech calls me at 2:30 PM and tells me that my mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced, the throttle needs to be cleaned and the total cost will be $390.
At 4 PM my car was ready for pick up. I picked up my car at 4:50 PM (ten minutes prior to closing), drove less than 2 miles when my car starts to kick again, this time the gear-shifts seem to completely stall and the car is failing to accelerate. Instead of one, I now have two new warning lights flashing, the EPC and catalytic converter light.
I drive an automatic 2012 Beetle and about 5-6 months ago, I started experiencing the following: - "Kicking" when braking - What felt like "un-smooth" gear shifting (on an automatic car) - Illuminated "wrench" light These would always occur together but didn't occur on a daily basis. I almost felt like it would mostly occur on days where I wouldn't warm up my car to at least 105 degrees. I called VW service and explained my problem and was told by that tech that I should bring my car in for inspection. Two days later, on my first day off, I called VW to inform them that I was on my way to drop off my car. This time, I was speaking with a new tech and according to him, the "wrench" light only serves as a service reminder and that it has nothing to do with how the car is functioning. I wasn't due for a service for at least another 4-5 months (based on date and miles.) I informed him how the tech I spoke with just two days ago seemed concerned and had asked me to bring in the car. The new tech disagreed and told me it was not necessary to bring in the car and that I shouldn't be concerned and that if the light is really annoying me, then I can bring in my car to have the "wrench" light re-set.
Update from Apr 27, 2017: I decided to wait. After another month of random occurrences of the same three symptoms, I took my car in. I was still a few thousand miles away from needing my car serviced but decided to do it early, hoping it will resolve this issue. I drop off my car and was told by the tech that I am also due for a diagnostic check which will also help diagnose any errors bringing the cost of my 60,000 mileage service to $280. This occurred in February 2017, two months ago. The service however, did not resolve the problem. I finally took my car in yesterday and explained to the tech what was going on. The tech tells me that I need a diagnostic scan, which will cost $134. I inform him that I just had one done in February. He checks the computer and tells me I only had an oil change. I tell him that I was charged $280 for my service in February which included a diagnostic scan and that I would need to be refunded if that wasn't ever done. Suddenly, he finds the report. I dropped off my car around 10:30 A.M. and was told that I'll have an update by 2:30 PM. The tech calls me at 2:30 PM and tells me that my mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced, the throttle needs to be cleaned and the total cost will be $390. At 4 PM my car was ready for pick up. I picked up my car at 4:50 PM (ten minutes prior to closing), drove less than 2 miles when my car starts to kick again, this time the gear-shifts seem to completely stall and the car is failing to accelerate. Instead of one, I now have two new warning lights flashing, the EPC and catalytic converter light.
- Sara F., Woodland Hills, CA, US