re So, who the heck designs an automatic transmission that, when the > pedal is to the floor, kicks down to 2nd at 45 and back to 3rd at > 55?!? "

Notice to All Who Drive an Automatic Transmission Vanagon :

The shift lever is very specifically designed so you can 'grab 2nd' quickly and easily from 3rd. No need to hold down the button on the shifter, and it won't go past 2nd into low. You can just 'slap it' ....from 3rd to 2nd....... like going into a hill. Shifting back up to 3rd from 2nd - same thing, no need to hold down the button, but ......it can go past 3rd into Neutral, so need to be a little careful on that shift.

In general, just putting it in 'D' and driving, and letting the trans shift .... well, I never do that. Much mo' betta driving doing the shifting yourself between 2nd and 3rd. As far as using the kickdown at full throttle, I almost never use 100 % throttle anyway, so ........just shift it manually betwixt 2nd n' 3rd.

It's even in the owner's manual, about being able to grab 2nd real easily. 'Prett sure. Scott ----- Original Message ----- From: "Troy" <colorworks@GCI.NET> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:27 AM Subject: Automatic transmission, WTF?

> Hi Marc: > > I had my transmission rebuild recently by German transaxle, who also > installed the Peloquin limited slip or torque biasing differential. The > transition between gears is much smoother now, and when going up hills the > transmission does jump into second, but stays that way until I get past 55 > or so and then shifts into third. I am told there is a governor > modification to the transmission that can be done. Small car has the > details on their site, that may smooth things out a bit. The biggest > difference to mind was the rebuilt. The transition between gears is hardly > noticeable now. I can also say that I have 16 inch tires and a Subaru > EJ22, so I'm sure this plays some role in what I'm talking about. Still > not like a standard car, but definitely much better than it was. > > Troy > > <<I don't usually rant about things, because I feel it's a waste of > emotional energy. However, the discussion about the Bostig engine and > AT not being a good match got me going . . . > > So, who the heck designs an automatic transmission that, when the > pedal is to the floor, kicks down to 2nd at 45 and back to 3rd at > 55?!? It's a real PITA going over the Blue Ridge Mountains in certain > places. The damn transmission keeps bouncing back and forth as my > speed varies between 45 and 55, trying to haul my butt over the > mountain.>>