Date:         Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:16:27 -0400
Reply-To:     Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: The automatic tranny on vanagons

The Vanagon automatic transmission is considered to be excellent. It
operates for many, many miles,without problems. Some people prefer it to
the 4 speed. Gas mileage is rather lower, than with a manual transmission.
Especially in the city.

The transmission is made up of two  parts. The aluminum automatic, proper,
and the final drive. They attach toegther and make one unit.EZ to see
this. Looks weird. The final drive weighs 95#. The aluminum part is about
60#, wet. The aluminum automatic part is contemporary with other VW cars,
including Audi. Indeed, the automatic in my 85 had a Audi 5000 valve body.
Some VW automatic transmissions will interchange completely with the
Vanagon. I had removed the valve body from my 85, and could not match it
up in the Bentley. It was the same as Audi 5000. Appeared to be original.
The cast iron final drive attaches and makes it a trans axel. It is
trouble free, but if a seal breaks that goes between these two devices,
gear oil and automatic transmission fluid will mix. Death. Not common, but
it can be seen in the archives.

The final drive takes 90 W gear oil of about 1.8 qts.The automatic takes
Dextron, I think. The fluid can be drained easily, at oil changes. This is
unlike most other cars. Just loosen up the large collar nut as it attaches
to the metal fluid pan. The fluid will drain about 3 qts. The adjustment
on the trans is for the second gear band. Not difficult nor expensive to
do.

The major differences between the years of Vanagons, seems to be in the
valve body( Im sure a few other changes are there, too). The valve body
determins when shifting occurs, and the valve body varys as to different
engines. Aircooled-1.9-2.1.  Diesel Vanagon is not automatic, from the
factory.

The fluid cooler is also a problem area. The cooler, similar to the diesel
and 2.1 oil cooler. this is  located at the passenger side of the
transmission. Costs $200 for a new one. Sometimes the seals break and
fluic is lost. Trash time, again. if  failure is catastrophic.

Shifting is good. The final drive, sometimes whines. Sometimes , dosent.
Throttle cables and shifting rods, and such are different from  manual
transmissions.So is the brake master cylinder resiviour, and starter
motor. CV axels are different, too. The neutral start switch someitmes
gives problems.

I like them.