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Subject:Re: 84 Vanagon, will not shift into gear, Solved!
From:Mark Drillock
Date:Tue, 4 Sep 2007 10:17:45 -0700

Only thing is, 80-84 don't have the fluid level warning light. That came
into use in 1985.

Mark

John Rodgers wrote:

> Gary,
>
> Keep a close eye on the fluid level. You may have a leak somewhere.
>
> I had a similar problem with my 85 GL. The system, is designed so that
> if the fluid level gets low, the brake warning light comes on.  If the
> van is new to you, or you have had it a very long time and not done this
> - do the following.
>
> Bleed and flush ALL hydraulic lines. That includes both break and clutch
> lines. You will be amazed and the crude - and water - you will get out
> of the system.
>
> When  the fluid level gets low, the low fluid warning light will flash,
> and as more fluid is lost the light will come on and hold steady.
>
> Since both brakes and clutch are operated from the same fluid tank, a
> safety factor was built in. Brakes are a safety item, so the clutch is
> the first thing to go as the fluid level drops. Then the brakes will
> follow as more fluid is lost. But the warning light is there to help
> prevent just such a problem.
>.................

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