transmission (tiptronic) has problem.

What is your question?

When engaging the transmission, if it isn't smooth, or if it doesn't shift, I stop the motor and restart and nearly all the time everything will function properly. The next time I start the car, it may or may not function properly. Can you help?

How long has your 2004 Volkswagen Passat had this problem?

the car has just under 190,000 miles on it. maybe the last 1000 miles or so.