The delay is there in my car too (4 speed auto 99.5 TDI Golf)... After I
changed the fluid at the recommended by my dealer 90-100K Kms interval the
delay wasn't as bad... and if I didn't wait for it, it wouldn't slam
abusively into gear.

2-3, 3-4, and downshifts are smooth and silky in my Golf

Your fluid CAN be changed, maybe not checked tho... Get it done... it's
expensive tho, as it's a synthetic that is designed to be sealed in there -
my dealer recommends having it changed tho, as do I after I have seen how
nice it can be with it done.
"Lenny Wilson" > wrote in message
news
> 2003 Jetta GLS with 2.0l automatic and 34k on it has two problems.
>
> When cold there is a slight delay going into gear (D or Reverse) from
> park. When semi cold or just warming up I sometimes get a rather abrupt
> "slamming" into gear going from 2 to 3 or sometimes 3 to 4.
>
> I don't think this has ever happened when the car is fully warmed but I
> can't be certain because it is my wifes car and I don't drive it all that
> much.
>
> Normally first thing I would check is fluid level but it looks like a
> nightmare in this car.
>
> Known problem?
> Any ideas?
> TIA
> Lenny