Date:         Tue, 7 Sep 2010 22:21:45 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Fisher <garciasghostvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Transmission slippage - help!
In-Reply-To:  <AANLkTinjs4E_1xvR0j7LHo68r9BJ3+OBTHsGXwGVE9xj@mail.gmail.com>
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When somebody says their tranny is slipping I generally think of engine rpms
increasing (while in gear) without the vehicle accelerating or maintaining
speed (assuming it's not climbing a steep grade).
Is that what you are experiencing, or is it that you are getting to high
rpms (above 3K, say) without it shifting (especially when cold)?
If it's the latter (and and that mileage), I'd guess your friction plates
are wearing out and your headed for a rebuild, and soon. The thunking noise
is likely loss of proper endplay due to the thinning plates or a damaged
thrust bearing. Either way it's not good for your pump.
I've had two failures and in both cases it was working, and then it wasn't;
all the warning they gave is pretty much what you've described.

Cya,
Robert

On Sep 7, 2010 8:48 PM, "Annie" <lsandrsn@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi, all
>
> Seems I'm having some transmission slippage. I've got an '85 GL with an
auto
> trans. I've checked the fluid levels numerous times and it's right where
it
> should be. I did add a little a few weeks ago but it wasn't too low. I
> haven't noticed any fluid leaking from anywhere.
>
> The slipping seems to happen shifting from 2nd into drive and then once
you
> come to a stop and the transmission downshifts. Sometimes it's like it
> doesn't fully disengage or something as it kinda "clunks" once you've
> stopped and makes the van lurch slightly. I hope what I'm saying makes
> sense. ;-)
>
> It also seems to slip once you've slowed down a little and then go to
speed
> back up again - it's like it doesn't engage again. It started this a few
> weeks ago but it was very intermittent at the time and I just thought
> perhaps it was because I'd driven quite a few miles traveling back and
forth
> to Seattle and Bellevue for two weeks every day. (About 130 miles or so
per
> day.)
>
> Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions etc would be greatly appreciated. This is
> my only vehicle right now and the kids just went back to school today.
Can't
> have any getting stranded!
>
> Thanks!
> ~Annie