I had the exact same thing happen to me about 8 months ago. = Everything fine with the transmission, no noise, etc. Then on shifting into third, got = stuck in gear and couldn't budge it. Had to replace the trans with a rebuit = from VW dealer (only rebuilts are available - no new ones ). Cost = at VW dealer in S. Cal about US$2200.00 with rebuildable core. Installed it myself. = This seems to be a common problem. The part that cracks has been redsigned so = the new trans should not have this problem. Mine failed at 72,000 mi.

 

Frank

 

89 Carat

 

91 535i

 

85 5000s

 

 

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Date:    Wed, 26 May 1999 22:16:17 -0400
From:    Kate McLaughlin <KateMacMac@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Huston we have a problem

I was driving home yesterday, and all = was well. I was taking it easy in
3rd.  As traffic moved on I attempted to = shift to 4th, but my VW didn't
want to shift.  She liked 3rd so much, = she decided to stay there.  This
morning I had my sick Vanagon towed = to a place that "only works on
VW's".  Well I mechanic wanted to put = in a new transmission.  I asked
him for a quote.  He told me he = called the dealer, and it would be
$3,000 for the trans and $2,500 for the = work.  In the past I have have
had the engine rebuilt.  The trans was = fine until last night, not a pop,
grind, or leak.  So here I am no = VW.  I'm leery about putting in a new
trans.  The mechanic said that = it would be easier and cost less if we
popped in a new one, maybe easier for = him, not for me $$$.  Has anyone
ever had this happen to their = Vanagon?  The mechanics haven't opened her
yet. They put her on the lift and that = was it.  I have heard that there
were some problems with the gears = breaking in the model.  It's an 86.
My poor Stella.  I miss her already!