Either way, tranny time is coming. The filter may be clogged restricting
flow until things warm up slightly. If this is the case, the debris is
usually the clutch linings failing. If the filter is good, there is an
internal leak causing a pressure problem. The only easily fixable leak
may be a bad accumulator piston. My bet though is a bad direct drive
piston or the seal rings on the pump housing for the first or direct
clutch packs.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of David McCallum
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 11:36 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Automatic Transmission sometimes has to wake up...

I have an interesting intermittent situation for
the consideration of the list...'89 Westy, engine
rebuild ~4k miles ago (according to the PO). I've
been doing the spit 'n' polish to get things just
exactly perfect, and it's running well. But...

Sometimes, on cold start, when I put it into drive,
nothing happens. At first I revved to get a response,
but soon realized that did no good. If I let it idle
in gear, after maybe 10 secs I'll start to move
forward. This happens maybe 1 in 10 mornings. I'm
driving in city traffic 2-3 times a week.

Fluid level is good, maybe a bit high, fluid color
looks decent but not new. I have the A/T tuneup kit
of screen, gasket, etc. and plan to tackle that this
weekend, but thought I'd ask for any thoughts about
my A/T's intermittent sluggishness in case I need to
address something while I have the cover off.

Thanks much...it's a testimony to the current members
and archives that I haven't needed to post regarding
a problem until now, as the archives and discussion
have covered the other (many) situations I've faced
since buying "Boris" last July. I love the list!

Cheers!
David McCallum