My old Audi did this.
There is a band adjustment on the tranny case to make it shift faster.
However, this was for the 1-2 shift.

Maybe the van trans has a 2-3 adjustment?

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jeff Palmer
Sent: Wednesday, October 01, 2008 10:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Hesitating automatic transmission

Hey all,

If someone can give me advice I'd very much appreciate it.

I have an 85 Westfalia GL with an automatic transmission.  290k
kilometres.  Recently the transmission began hesitating when shifting
from second to third.  It is more pronounced when it is cooler
outside (like now).  After it shifts for the first time into third,
it never hesitates again.  The fluid level is fine although I don't
know what kind of transmission fluid my mechanic uses.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again
Jeff in Winnipeg