Date:         Tue, 10 Jul 2001 22:04:18 -0500
Reply-To:     Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Not Downshifting
Comments: To: jwarner@NETWALK.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Jeff Warner wrote:

> Hello listmates!
>
> I've finished the rear bearings and gone through all the brakes and can report
> that all is right with the world at least as far as bearings and brakes are
> concerned.  Now on to the next issue:
>
> The vehicle in question here is my very clean '86 Westy Wolfsburg Weekender
> with 97000 miles named Barry.  Barry is an automatic and he doesn't seem
> inclined to want to kick down into 2nd or possibly even 1st (I haven't driven
> him enough yet to know having just finsihed the bearings, brakes, etc.).  I
> suspect that there is a vacumm hose or kick-down switch issue here but before
> breaking out the Bentley and sliding underneath I thought it prudent to ask the
> list for advice first.
>
> So, anyone seen this before on their automatic Vanagon?  Anybody want to give
> me a clue, hint or detailed step-by-step instructions?  ;-)
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> PS. For the record and in response to recent posts, I paid $2200 and drove
> Barry home.
>
> Jeff Warner
> Galloway, Ohio
> '86 Westy "Barry"
> '87 GL "Van"
> Bunch of other
> stuff.

The valve body in the bottom of the transmission decides whether to shift up or
down based on two sources of info if I recall correctly.
  The throttle linkage from the gas pedal connects to the trans and then goes on to
the throttle body.
  The other relevant factor is the flow of fluid thru the governor which is speed
sensitive.

Possibilities:
  Linkage mis-adjusted.
  Governor worn, sticking, or plugged with lint or sludge.
  Valve in valve body sticking.

The last one seems most likely to me, but it is also the most challenging to fix.
  The experts out there should please feel free to correct or amplify on this.

Larry A.
Chicago