-----Original Message-----
From: Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, March 12, 1998 1:57 AM
Subject: Re: Reverse Gear in Syncro

>At 11:19 PM 3/11/98 -0000, Leif wrote:
>>I bought an 86 Syncro last week and today when I was backing out of the
>>driveway something strange happened.  I went in reverse for about 20 yards
>>and was getting ready to stop so i put in the clutch and let it keep
>>rolling back a bit when the van just stopped really hard all on it's own
>>(no Brakes on my part) It was as if the transmission locked or something.
>>I've been able to replicate it since but not every time.  Something else
>>related possibly (this is my first syncro) is the fact that the knob on
the
>>console for locking the rear diff.  seems to be exactly opposite of what
>>the owners manual says.  When the knob is PUSHED IN the rear diff. locks
>>and with it pulled out the AWD works.  I deduced this by lighted
>>Transmission diagram.  The light on the rear axle lights up bright when
the
>>knob is pushed in and when it is pulled out the light on the front axle
and
>>in the middle of the diagram are light up ( somewhat more dimly ).  I pray
>>the Trans is not royally messed.  Any help or experience with the syncro
>>would be greatly appreciated.  I know that they require more care and
>>service vigilance that their 2WD brethren.  Thanks, Leif
>>
>When the wheels lock up in reverse are you going straight or turning? If
>you're turning, then it could be that your diff lock is engaged and the
diff
>is binding in the turn. You need to find out what's up with the diff lock
>before driving the vehicle as it is very hard on the diff to lock it in
>normal driving conditions. The diff lock should only be engaged in
>conditions where you are losing traction (ice or mud). There's probably a
>problem with the vacuum circuit on the diff lock. Could be a leak, could be
>that the hoses are not connected properly. Not an expensive problem to fix,
>but requires some troubleshooting.
>
>-Mark McCulley
>