RE: slipping AT, stinking feet, and M #'s

[jadney@vwtype3.org (Melissa & Jim)]

>While we are on the subject of transmissions maybe someone will want to 
>diagnose my problems.  
>Vehicle:   69 fastback.
>Trans:	   stock fully auto.
>
>Problem:  Shifts fine in all gears.  Occasionally it will downshift very 
>very hard.  I have changed the filter and fluid.  Atf not the gear oil.  
>Any ideas???
>
>			Jason REnville 

My first suggestion would be to check that the vacuum modulator hose was 
connected and that the modulator was properly adjusted.  A vacuum leak in 
the hose to the modulator will cause hard downshifts, but this is usually 
accompanied by upshifts that occur at too high a speed.  The latter can be 
hard to recognize if you have gotten used to the way your car shifts.

I should also mention that vacuum modulators occasionally fail due to a 
leaking diaphram.  If this happens ATF will come out of the hose if you pull 
it off the modulator.  If you find oil in your hose that just looks black 
and doesn't seem like too much, it may just be condensation from the 
crankcase breather and nothing to worry about.  But if it is obviously red, 
or if you drain it a week or 2 later and get lots more then you will have to 
replace the modulator to fix the leak.

Note: A replacement vacuum modulator must always be readjusted.  See the manual.

Jim
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       Melissa Kepner                                    Jim Adney
       jadney@vwtype3.org              jadney@vwtype3.org
                             Laura Kepner-Adney
                             Madison, Wisconsin
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