I'm assuming that you got an 80-91 Vanagon.
It's sometimes impossible to go back into 1st gear, Are these normal?
Reply:   Your linkage just below the fuel tank needs adjusting for the
tranny.
That short whistle sounds like a dry throw out bearing.
Also, is it common for the speedo cable connector to break?
Reply: They slip out of the drive sockets both on the black box and the
grease cover on your left front wheel, you just got to get it in a median
position. Unless its actually broken. As for the dash end of the cable if
you've got a clip type plastic lock, yes they break all the time.
Hope I understood the problems and my suggestions help.

Stan Wilder
83 Air Cooled Westfalia

On Thu, 13 Dec 2001 20:17:55 -0600 blytz <blytz@MIRAGETUNER.COM> writes:
> Hey guys,
>
> After sorting out the problems from last night (and I'll be starting
> work on rewiring the lights tonight), I decided to drive to a nearby
> car wash.
>
> I noticed to things about the transmission (4speed). When I come to
> a complete stop, It's sometimes impossible to go back into 1st gear,
> unless I first put it into third (not releasing the clutch). If I
> simply slide the stick into 3rd, It'll immediately allow me to put
> it back into 1st.
>
> I also notice when I downshift into second, AS I'm putting it into
> 2nd (clutch in) I get a short whistle... It sounds JUST like a
> police siren, only for 1-2 seconds, and only into 2nd gear. Kinda
> scary, cuz I currently don't have plates or insurance on the thing.
>
> Are these normal? Also, is it common for the speedo cable connector
> to break? Any fixes for it?
>
> Thanks!
> Matthew
>
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