By not "going into third gear" what do we mean? Does it not try to shift?
When it tries to shift it "freewheels" and the engine races away.
If it is not trying to shift a stuck or clogged governor could be the
problem. This can be fixed with the trans in place. Also, if the inlet
screen is clogged you may not have sufficient pressure for the tranny to up
shift.  If the freewheeling effect you are looking at an overhaul.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Rob
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2010 4:22 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Auto tranny lost 3rd gear

My daughter bought an 83 Vanagon with an automatic transmission, I
was told it won't go into third gear. A "band problem" is all I know.
I'll start dealing with it in the morning.

I have not even looked at the Bentley yet but I did do a search of
the archives.

Any suggestions at this point? FWIW there is a guy on craigslist here
who sells rebuilt trannys for $1k.
Thanks,

Rob

becida@comcast.net
Western Washington State, USA