Re: [T3] automatic transmission woes (will not shift out of 1st)

["Jim Adney" <jadney@vwtype3.org>]

On 25 May 2008 at 13:53, Mark Michel wrote:

> I have a 72 squareback with an automatic transmission that will not
> shift out of 1st gear. It will go in reverse.

I assume that the shift lever will go anywhere you want, but that the 
AT itself won't shift into 2nd or D.

> Here's what I've done thus far: 
> 
> 1. checked the fluid level following the proper procedure (car
> warm, in neutral and on level ground). It seemed to be OK
> although it's a bit hard to tell b/c the dipstick is so long and the
> fluid is thin. By the time I get the dipstick out there's no
> clear line on it. 

Did you also do this with the engine running? That's necessary. If 
you do this with the engine off, the level will show as higher than 
it is during operation.

Low fluid level would cause these symptoms, and it is often hard to 
be sure of the dipstick reading just because the dipstick always 
picks up a bit of ATF from the sides of the dipstick tube which can 
make you think that it actually got into some fluid.  

> 2. exchanged the vacuum-driven shifting modulator for a new one.
> When I pulled the vacuum line off of the original modulator some
> transmission fluid dripped from the line. Not an enormous amount
> though. Also I found a pin that had fallen out. When I put
> in the new pin, I just stuck it in the end of the new modulator and
> put it in while carefully pushing the spring that resides in the hole
> back in as well. 

I don't remember a pin or spring that falls out, but it's possible. I 
know that there's a piston and spring in there, but they usually stay 
in place.

> 3. added a bit more fluid to see if it might make a difference. 

That was probably a good thing to try. If you're not sure about the 
dipstick reading, it might be helpful to find someone to give you a 
second opinion. You should be able to add 1/2 quart without concern 
about overfilling.

-- 
*******************************
Jim Adney, jadney@vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
*******************************

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