I posed this question a while back.  I did know that the automatic in my
newly acquired 84 GL was a 3 speed, but the speedometer is clearly
marked with the following shift points:   * at about 21 mph, ** at about
36 mph, *** at about 65 mph.  This might be a reason that someone would
think it was a 4 speed.  Several  list members suggested to me that VW
just used the same speedo in both std. & auto cars.

Now, jut to add confusion, my work truck (also an 84 GL) has a speedo in
it that is replacement from one of the parts cars I have owned.  It is
marked like this: * @ 20 mph, ** @  36 mph,  *** @ 59 mph.  I have
parted out both 84 & 85 Gl's (1 sunroof), but no diesels or westy's.
The Bentley doesn't seem to indicate any gearing options for gas GL's or
L's.  I also remember my 84 Westy have higher shift points than normal,
but that one is sold,so I can't be sure.

Anyone have any insight?

Walt
84 GL / blue on blue/ my 19th Vanagon

Dan Weeks wrote:

> Uhh, Chad--isn't the VG auto a 3-speed? Like, does the shifter read
> 1, 2, D? Are there little marks on the speedo at the maximum shift
> points--one little dot somewhere where it shifts out of first when
> floored, 2 little dots higher up where it shifts out of second when
> floored, then no more little dots? If so, you're getting all the
> gears there are. Never owned or driven one, but I rode in one a long
> time ago and I THINK it's a 3-speed.
>
> Dan
>
>
> On Jan 31, 2008, at 8:33 AM, Chad Lyles wrote:
>
>> Good morning all,
>>
>> I have just recently noticed something with my 84GL auto, i THINK,
>> i'm not
>> sure yet, that hoppy is not shifting into 4th gear. when i am at a
>> dead stop
>> and take off i can only hear/feel 1 brrrrrrrrrr 2 brrrrrrrrrrrrr 3
>> brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr and i never hear the 4th gear kick in...i am
>> traveling on the highways just fine.. some times even cruising
>> above 55mph.
>> although now that i think about it ... when i take my foot off the
>> gas i
>> seem to slow me down really quick...am i crazy or is 4th gear just
>> really
>> smooth and quiet?  haha... its not slipping...i just cant hear it
>> and i cant
>> hear my engine over the road noise so i cant tell if my RMP's are
>> way to
>> high...
>>
>> A) is there a way to check if all 4 gears are in use (with out
>> tearing in to
>> anything and with my limited knowledge)
>> B) if this in fact IS occurring, could this be why i am getting such
>> HORRIBLE highway fuel economy?
>> C) should i be super worried?
>>
>> asking questions about the transmission is like finding a lump on
>> you body
>> somewhere and being afraid to go to the doctor for fear of what the
>> prognosis will be...
>> i am worried now....great.
>>
>> thanks in advance
>>
>>
>> --
>> Chad~
>> 84gl "Hop-a-long"
>
>