Yes, the PO replaced this cable on my '85, so I know they do wear out.
Don't know how hard it is to install, but it may not be that bad (ha, ha,
ha, ha.).  While you are at it, replace the switches on the shifter, they
are usually worn out leaving you with no backup lights or the ability to
start in neutral. The wiper goes first, but I replace both parts, contacts
shown below:
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=21754&category_id=&category_pa
rent_id=

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Smith
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2015 11:41 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Automatic Transmission/Shifter cable?

My AT ('85 Westfalia) is getting *really* hard to shift. A couple of people
have tried to adjust it, both have suggested that it needs to be "loosened."
Which they've done, but it is worse. This seems to be being done at the
tranmission end, not in the shift mechanism. Does it need a new cable? What
is the process for installing this cable? Anyone with experience in this?

.r