Listees,

I had similar experience in my 84 Westy. In my case, the bushings in the
long shaft (shift rod) connecting the gear shift lever to the
transmission were both worn and the adjustments were out of
specifications.  At that time, no List, no Bentley, no Haynes, no
Chilton, no ALLDATA-CD, no mechanical saavy, no Momma, no Pappa..  If I
remember correctly, the VW dealer charged me about $160.00 to fix,
Saturday rates, out-of-town, stranded.....

Slide under the van and look at the linkages and the bushings. I'm sure
that Kyle, Jim, Ron, et al, have the parts, and they can point you in
the right direction, if that wear/adjustment is the problem.VW dealer
would be my last choice for service. Haynes gives it a "two wrench
degree of difficulty" rating, (out of five) Fairly easy suitable for
beginner with some experience."

Tom Hanlon
Palm Springs, CA

Wind Warrior wrote:

> My van has been shifting smoothly, no abnormal noises.  I tried to
> downshift
> from 3rd to 2nd and it wouldn't go in to gear.  With some force, I got
> it back
> into 3rd and made it to my driveway(1/2 mile).  After about 5 minutes
> I was
> able to get into 1st to park, moved about 10 feet and grinding sound
> started.
> I immediately shut it down.  Now, The stick points toward 3rd gear in
> neutral.
> The stick can be moved over between 1st and 2nd, but only appears
> willing to go
> into reverse.  I was able to push the van into the garage, but it
> moved like it
> was in gear.  Any idea what to look for?