Go Westy has an opinion on this:  Every 30k with filter change.   My newer
cars say never, or at 100k.  More here:
http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=305

AFT is subject to heat breakdown, but as long as it is nice and red (not
brown) it's usually okay.  With all my cars I do 75k changes with Red Line
ATF which takes a lot more heat.   Unfortunately it takes three changes to
get all the old ATF down to a small amount (< 1/4 cup) since you can't drain
the torque converter.  If you want to spend the bucks do three changes
within a few days.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Spencer Allen
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 8:17 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: ATF: Is it change or don't

I don't remember for certain but some time (years) ago there was talk about
NOT changing the fluid in an auto tranny because it would have a negative
effect. Can someone  post the latest word on when or if to change the AT
fluid. I have a auto 85 Westy with 86K and I don't think the trans has ever
been serviced. Thanks for any info.
Spencer