Wouldn't be the final drive. It is either there or it isn't, Noisy or
not. The automatic section is either slipping or it is not up-shifting.
First, change the fluid and clean or replace the filter. A clogged
filter will keep things from working when the fluid is cold. If that is
not the problem, then you are probably looking at some repair work.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Dan Erlandson
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2003 9:34 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: lack of power when cold

So... my wife tells me that the van has started exhibiting a new
problem...
what else is new...

The van starts fine (when cold and hot) , but my wife tells me that
there is
a definite lack of power when she starts heading  up the road in the
morning.  Not so much a lack of engine power because she says the RPM's
are
getting up there on the tach, but the van just isn't moving very fast.
She
pulled off to the side of the road  this morning, let it idle a bit and
then
when she started out again the van was fine.  Sort of sounds like a AT
or
final drive issue (91 GL with A/C and AT) since the engine is responding
and
the RPM's are up there, but the power isn't getting to the wheels?
Think I
might get out there tonight and check the final drive level.  I am
confident
about the AT level, but will check that too (van started and in neutral,
no?).  What do you all think?  Thanks for the input

Dan Erlandson