Sounds like you have a problem with the "direct" clutch. Either a bad
piston or a broken ring where the direct drum is mounted on the oil
pump. The direct clutch is also needed for reverse operation. How long
ago was the trans repaired? Were the direct, reverse, and low gear
pistons replaced? These parts are often reused when they should not be.
The are not part of the normal overhaul kits and need to be purchased
separately. Might be a partial warranty job.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Timothy Crooks
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2002 11:09 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Transmission Woes (Auto)

My 90 GL will no longer shift properly, that is, it will start out in
bottom gear, shift to intermediate, but will not go into top unless I
put her into neutral, then back to drive.  It does this only when fully
warmed up.  Another thing is , when it is warmed, is it will not
reverse, unless I put it into R, wait, and then rev the engine.  The
fluid level is proper, red in colour, and no burnt smell.  A while ago,
I had it rebuilt, and ti had the same symptoms, but it self resolved.
The rebuilder said he tried to adjust the selector at the valve body,
but could not.  (When I first picked it up, reverse gear stayed engaged
whilst in park).  My question is, can the linkage be adjusted anywhere
else?  I hate to face another rebuild.