I wanted to post this question to the vanagon list for a friend, since I'm on the baywindow list.

A friend of mine is having problems with his automatic transmission on his 86 Vanagon.  When it is cold out and he goes to drive his van, it will not shift from first gear until the van warms up for a few minutes.  I researched the archives and think I have concluded that the seals are old and hard and a rebuild is in order.  Is this pretty much what the problem is or is there something else such as servicing that could cause this.  Fluid levels are all up to par.

Thanks,
Ed Woenker
74 Westy