Wife’s 1997 Jetta, automatic tranny, 97k miles.
At idle, the transmission will ‘disengage’ when in Drive or 3,2,1 (gear selector doesn’t move. That’s not what I’m describing). Upon accelerating, the slightest application of the throttle and slightest increase in engine speed will re-engage the tranny and she’ll go as normal.
This happens only at an absolute dead stop. If the car is coasting even the slightest, the car remains in gear. If at a dead stop, the car will not creep fwd…and on slight inclines, it will actually roll back like a manual tranny before the throttle is applied (before that slight moment the trans engages).
The slighest engagement is felt, as if it were placed in D. Car runs like a top. Can’t check fluid level in tranny on VW as it is sealed (but mechanic checks it every 6months since the hidden filler leaked once after it was loose). No signs of leaks or anything.
I have some idea what is up, but to avoid the introduction of bias, I’ll await your suspicions.