Yes, the tranny is dying and yes, it can be repaired if you do not wait
too long. If you want to go through diagnostics and attempt repairs, you
may even be able to fix it in the van.

Auto trannies consist of clutches. Everything is done with clutches.
Unlike a manual tranny clutch which is held with a spring, auto clutches
use hydraulic pressure to engage and cause a power transfer.

Since you have fist, and drive, (direct) I will assume those clutches
are good. 2nd gear requires clamping one of the housings with a brake
band. This band is failing to stop that drum so you have a slipping 2nd
gear.

The failure could be hydraulic, fluid contamination, (gear oil in the
ATF), or the band is worn. The band can be adjusted, but unless it has
been tampered with, adjustment usually won't help. The piston can be
replaced with the tranny in place.

At 140K, though I would put these efforts towards a regular overhaul. A
local tranny place should be able to diagnose or rebuild the tranny
without too much trouble.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Aaron
Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2006 7:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Auto tranny questions

Hello all.

I did a search on the archives, but it seems to keep timing out on
me. I am looking for info on why the auto tranny in my '85 is
slipping in second gear.

Here's what happens:
I start going. It shifts into second gear and it slips a lot (like a
slipping clutch) and eventually goes into 3rd and works fine.
Interestingly if I floor the gas pedal from the start, it seems to
slip less and go through the gears without undue slippage.

I changed the fluid and filter just after buying it. In the filter I
found a broken up round washer plastic thingy in the filter. I can
provide a picture of it if needed.

Any hints on what might be the issue with my tranny? Is it dying? Can
it be repaired or should I look for a new one?

Thanks!
Aaron
'85 Auto Westy 140K miles.