Date:         Thu, 12 Mar 1998 08:35:32 -0800
Reply-To:     Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reverse Gear in Syncro
Comments: To: Leif <Leif_Abel@T-THREE.COM>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 11:19 PM 3/11/98 -0000, Leif wrote:
>I bought an 86 Syncro last week and today when I was backing out of the
>driveway something strange happened.  I went in reverse for about 20 yards
>and was getting ready to stop so i put in the clutch and let it keep
>rolling back a bit when the van just stopped really hard all on it's own
>(no Brakes on my part) It was as if the transmission locked or something.
>I've been able to replicate it since but not every time.  Something else
>related possibly (this is my first syncro) is the fact that the knob on the
>console for locking the rear diff.  seems to be exactly opposite of what
>the owners manual says.  When the knob is PUSHED IN the rear diff. locks
>and with it pulled out the AWD works.  I deduced this by lighted
>Transmission diagram.  The light on the rear axle lights up bright when the
>knob is pushed in and when it is pulled out the light on the front axle and
>in the middle of the diagram are light up ( somewhat more dimly ).  I pray
>the Trans is not royally messed.  Any help or experience with the syncro
>would be greatly appreciated.  I know that they require more care and
>service vigilance that their 2WD brethren.  Thanks, Leif
>
When the wheels lock up in reverse are you going straight or turning? If
you're turning, then it could be that your diff lock is engaged and the diff
is binding in the turn. You need to find out what's up with the diff lock
before driving the vehicle as it is very hard on the diff to lock it in
normal driving conditions. The diff lock should only be engaged in
conditions where you are losing traction (ice or mud). There's probably a
problem with the vacuum circuit on the diff lock. Could be a leak, could be
that the hoses are not connected properly. Not an expensive problem to fix,
but requires some troubleshooting.

-Mark McCulley