Hi, my good friend just did an sythetic oil change on my 2000 GLX new beetle, after driving about 5 miles, I felt the car is not at it usual power (transmission seems to be slipping too) and 1miles later while stopping at a red light, i stepped on my brake and the car stalled and I couldn't get it to start. Waited for 10mins, I started the car but saw some white smoke coming out. Someone pushed my car to the side so it wouldn't block any traffic.

The car only has 24000miles on it, one note is I have the check engine light on for a week before this incident (been driving 20miles a day for a week and nothing seems to be wrong). I am schedule to bring the car to the dealer this week but darn, the car stalled on me before i can do that and now i got it tolled to the dealer.

But before the dealer start ripping a young gal off, I like to know if anyone has any idea what is wrong? My friend think that my transmission oil is out. I am not sure, i only have 4mths left on the warranty, I hope whatever fault it is, it is due to the some parts that are covered by the warranty at least.

Please help...thank u!

White smoke is generally an indicator that you are burning antifreeze. This generally (or at least in my experience) has meant that the head needs to be replaced. The transmission fluid is not recommended to be changed in the car until you have reached 60000 miles. You would be smart to pick up a 17mm allen wrench and a chiltons manual to see for yourself if you need the oil (the dealership will charge you roughly 250 to change the fluid and it is pretty easy to do yourself for about 40). As for the head, I would check your antifreeze level and have them run a pressure check in the engine. I wish you the best of luck with this one

Dont know why you would drive a car with the check light on untill it totally broke THEN go to the dealer but sometimes when a turbo is bad it will cause white smoke to come out the exhaust on startup.

IF the transmission shifts hard than it problably needs the fluid level checked or changed.

Thank u. I took it to the dealer, did the diagnosis, it was the emission vapor canister that went bad and they are charging 500bux to change it.. the part itself is $350. Too bad I can't drive the car to some other mechanic, coz I found the original part from CA for just $240!!!!