Stuart, sounds to me the accumulator piston has lost its seal, therefor there is not enough oil pressure in the system to make it shift gears.  Call Eurotek Motors <http://www.eurotek.ca/> and speak to Ryan, 613-256-2886.  He can fix this or he knows of a shop in Ottawa that can repair or rebuild that tranny.  Driving the van will not do any further damage.  

> On Sep 4, 2019, at 12:00 AM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
> 
> I have a=C2=A01986 Vanagon Westfalia GL 2.1L 2WD Automatic transmission sti=
> cks that in 2nd gear in the morning, when the vehicle is cold.=C2=A0 It usu=
> ally takes 1-2 km before it will shift on it's own into 3rd gear.=C2=A0 I a=
> m located in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.
> 
> What are the options and what questions/information do I need to move forwa=
> rd (pun intended).
> I phoned a few transmission shops/repair shops who said they "do not touch"=
> Vanagon transmissions.=C2=A0 They were uncertain if rebuild kits are avail=
> able.=C2=A0 Looking at e-bay I see that Pioneer 752078 Auto Trans Master Re=
> build Kit is available for my vehicle year.
> Ref:=C2=A0https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pioneer-752078-Auto-Trans-Master-Rebuild-= <a0https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pioneer-752078-Auto-Trans-Master-Rebuild-=>
> Kit/383089055734
> What else would be required for the transmission rebuilder need to have to =
> do this job?
> Should/can I continue to drive my vehicle without inflicting further damage=
> ?
> Comments/questions/solutions welcome.
> StuartOttawa, ONCanada

Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster  
Frank Condelli & Associates <http://www.frankcondelli.com/> - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Parts
BusFusion <http://www.busfusion.com/> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 06 ~ 09, 2019
Lionel Trains (Collection for sale <http://www.frankcondelli.com/trainsal.htm>)