see page 37.2.  Bentley.
( section 37 is Auto Trans-Controls, in case my early Bentley here is a page
# or two is  different from the common later version  )

in the lower right hand corner of the page "selector lever cable" and the
dotted line shows it connected/related  to the Shift Rod.

btw...want to mention one thing to always check on auto trans vanagons ..
There is a  ball pivot on the trans lever where the aft end of the throttle
cable from the gas pedal connects to that ball.
 - it's hard to even see, things rust, it's seldom squirted with a lube
..etc.
Seems to me that binding on that ball pivot can affect the trans lever ,
possibly even make it not want to shift up into 3rd or whatever.  I've found
'em rusted solid there.   Important to make sure that spot is well lubed.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Beierl" <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 1:16 PM
Subject: Re: Cost of auto shifter cable

> At 12:56 PM 5/26/2010, David M wrote:
>>The auto shifter on my 1987 Vanagon, automatic, has gone out of
>>adjustment and I'm told I need a new cable and was quoted the cost
>>of $135 plus 2 hours labor to fit it. Does that sound right? The
>>repair shop told me its a VW only part.
>>
>>-David, 1987 Vanagon GL
>
> There's a little confusion here...there's a cable for the throttle
> and a solid tubular(?) connection from shifter to
> transmission.  Which do you mean?
>
> Yours,
> David