I had the exact same thing happen to me about 8 months ago. Everything fine with the transmission, no noise, etc. Then on shifting into third, got stuck in gear and couldn't budge it. Had to replace the trans with a rebuit from VW dealer (only rebuilts are available - no new ones ). Cost at VW dealer in S. Cal about US$2200.00 with rebuildable core. Installed it myself. This seems to be a common problem. The part that cracks has been redsigned so the new trans should not have this problem. Mine failed at 72,000 mi.

Frank 

89 Carat

91 535i

85 5000s

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Date:    Wed, 26 May 1999 22:16:17 -0400
From:    Kate McLaughlin <KateMacMac@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Huston we have a problem

I was driving home yesterday, and all was well. I was taking it easy in
3rd.  As traffic moved on I attempted to shift to 4th, but my VW didn't
want to shift.  She liked 3rd so much, she decided to stay there.  This
morning I had my sick Vanagon towed to a place that "only works on
VW's".  Well I mechanic wanted to put in a new transmission.  I asked
him for a quote.  He told me he called the dealer, and it would be
$3,000 for the trans and $2,500 for the work.  In the past I have have
had the engine rebuilt.  The trans was fine until last night, not a pop,
grind, or leak.  So here I am no VW.  I'm leery about putting in a new
trans.  The mechanic said that it would be easier and cost less if we
popped in a new one, maybe easier for him, not for me $$$.  Has anyone
ever had this happen to their Vanagon?  The mechanics haven't opened her
yet. They put her on the lift and that was it.  I have heard that there
were some problems with the gears breaking in the model.  It's an 86.
My poor Stella.  I miss her already!

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