You probably have a bad torque converter. The torque converter has
multiple vanes and a one-way clutch on the stator. If the clutch is
failed, it will not be able to multiply the engine torque when the
engine is spinning faster than the transmission input shaft. In this
condition, it is liking starting a manual van off in second gear. Try
manually shift ting the trans and letting the engine get to ~4000 rpm
before shifts. If it accelerates okay with the engine revving fast, than
is most likely your problem.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Vanagon man
Sent: Wednesday, July 31, 2002 8:31 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Automatic trans performance questions

I have had my 88 for about 6 months now...The trans does not use any
fluid, slip, etc.

But in first and second you talk about slow.............GEEZ!  I do not
know why.  Everything is adjusted right per Bentley, and it is a dog
from a stop.  Is this just the way it is?

Adam P
81  Westy "The Brick "
70 Single Cab "Whitey"
74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
1988 Vanagon Wolfsburg
75 Campmobile "for sale'
Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)