Since Matilda is a later model vanagon, it's shifter is going to be a
bit sloppier than the 86 and earlier Vanagons. On the other paw, you
don't have to worry about the NLA shifter bushing in the middle of the
vehicle.

I would suspect the ball and cup at the transmission, if you can't get
into first. I had a similar problem and it was due to the cup being
broken, allowing the ball to pop out. I had a replacement kit that I
had gotten from Van-cafe so it wasn't too difficult to fix.

On Feb 16, 2009, at 3:02 PM, Joy Hecht wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I'm in Augusta, Maine, heading north (if I can).  I'm having major
> problems
> getting my van (manual transmission) into 1st gear whenever I stop.
> I'm
> headed to Newfoundland, hoped to get there by the weekend but
> obviously
> plans can change.  I had the van at Greg's place in Natick MA last
> week for
> other things, he said he lubricated it so I wouldn't have this
> problem, but
> obviously that didn't solve it.
>
> Does anyone know any mechanics along the way who might be able to
> work on
> it?  Augusta, Bangor, St. John (New Brunswick), etc...  Frederickton
> if that
> makes more sense (I know there are vanagon folks there).
>
> I don't think this is going to get better by itself.  I can get into
> reverse, but not into first - once I'm driving, though, I have
> little or no
> trouble shifting.  Mostly I've been able to get into first by going
> into
> reverse, backing up a bit, and then somehow I can it into first.
> But that's
> not really a viable solution.  Driving non-stop isn't exactly viable
> either...
>
> Is anyone on the list in Augusta, while I'm asking?
>
>
>
>
> Joy
> and Matilda, '89 vanagon