People might also notice the AT shifter mechanism is built specifically to
accomodate shfting from 3rd  to 2nd and back easily,
no need to hold in the button -= and it can't go further, either way, than
you want.

If you're in 3rd, and want 2nd, you just move the lever back one notch, even
just slap it back almost, no need to hold in the button.........it's made so
it won't go all teh way  into 1st unless you hold the button in.
Same on the upshift from 2nd to 3rd.....just nudge it forward , even just
bang if forward - it can't go into R or P unless you hold the button in.
This is a  feature of vanagon automatic transimissons,  that some y people
don't know about.
And I can think of  a few others too.......

examples of vanagon features that some people don't know about :
- the built-in funnel on the oil filler tube.
 - the temp control lever on the rear heater under the back seat.
- how the heater levers work - which is not logical, and not explained well
either in the owner's manual.
- and I've seen two adult males who could not figure out how to use the
stock jack !!   but that's an exception  - I sure hope !!
scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 6:05 AM
Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 25 Jul 2008 - Special issue (#2008-780)

> Larry Alofs wrote:
>> Most people with an AT would like more engine braking, not less.  It
>> saves
>> wear on your brakes.  I believe that this feature is related to what gear
>> you're in, not the RPMs.
>>   Why is shifting to neutral less convenient with an AT than with a MT?
>
> When driving my '84 7 passenger with automatic transmission, I
> frequently use the shifter.  Both to downshift for the engine braking
> and to downshift when going up some hills.
>
> Mike