Date:         Mon, 5 Sep 2005 19:24:56 -0700
Reply-To:     Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Transmission Problem
In-Reply-To:  <1c5.2fa0c5ab.304e526d@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Rico Dagastino <Dagbear@AOL.COM> wrote:
I am having a problem with an 84 Vanagon GL. It will not move forward when
put in any forward gear selection. It operates well in reverse gear. Is there
a set of circumstances regarding a failure of the torque converter which
would allow this to happen. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Rico


Well, Rico, it sounds as though you have a low fluid problem. The next thing after that - you did not mention if you had already checked there yet - would be a problem in the valve body. Maybe it is not getting the message to shift - but if reverse works, then this probably eliminates shifter adjustment worries. If you find that the fluid level is correct, you may want to try draining the fluid, dropping the pan, and checking the metal screen filter on the pump pick-up. Sometimes that gets blocked. If the screen is clear, you may need to try dropping the valve body. It isn't hard, but it does mean you need to keep everything CLEAN as you re-assemble after cleaning. If you don't have the Bentley, or you don't trust your mechanical skills, you may not want to try going that far... ...but it may save you a load of money if you just drain and refill with clean, fresh fluid.



Evan Mac Donald

1984 Wolfburg
1985 GL 7 Pass.
1991 Carat Weekender