In a message dated 96-05-21 21:19:31 EDT, ebaden@warren-wilson.edu (Eric
Baden) writes:

> The van is equipped with an automatic transmission that currently 
>appears to be filled with gear oil rather than Dexron. Can this  have 
>caused or perhaps be masking any problems?

I can't imagine that the AT would run with gear oil in it.  What makes you
think it has gear oil in it.  VW has used a couple of colors of ATF,
including one that looks like the color of oil.  It is not necessarily red.

> Secondly, the AC compressor doesn't turn on - there is some freon in  
>the system - is there a pressure switch, 

Yes, there is a low pressure cut-off switch.  If there is not enough pressure
in the system the compressor will not turn on.

>and/or is  it so that this AC set-up is also tied into the ECU? 

No.

>How would one diagnose where the problem lies?

I'd first check the fuses & then take it to a shop and have them check for
freon pressure & leaks.

Jim Davis
87 GL Syncro
88 GL Wolfsburg