TheSamba.com :: View topic - automatic transmission: problem with reverse

Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:15 pm

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I'm a newbie VW vanagon owner. I recently bought a 1987 vanagon with a newly rebuilt transmission. and yes, it's an automatic! I'm having a problem with reverse when the engine is cold. I give it gas and it doesn't want to move; if it's been warmed up--no problem... it backs right up. the shop who had the work down I've discovered is not reputable and is quite a distance from my house. they want me to bring it in and put a new valve body in without even diagnosing it. My mechanic here said it could also be the belts... any thoughts on this?? thanks!

Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:45 pm

Have you ensured you have the proper quantity and type of fluid in the trans?

Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:48 pm

yes, I just had it checked. level is fine....

Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:03 pm

zenaj6 wrote: Hi, I'm new to this forum and I'm a newbie VW vanagon owner. I recently bought a 1987 vanagon with a newly rebuilt transmission. and yes, it's an automatic! I'm having a problem with reverse when the engine is cold. I give it gas and it doesn't want to move; if it's been warmed up--no problem... it backs right up. the shop who had the work down I've discovered is not reputable and is quite a distance from my house. they want me to bring it in and put a new valve body in without even diagnosing it. My mechanic here said it could also be the belts... any thoughts on this?? thanks!

I guess the first question is: Do you have some mechanical aptitude? Change oil/spark plugs and the like?

If so..you will need a Bentley and a little reading and your good to go.

Balky reverse cold automatics could be a lot of things, but first things first. Probably not a valve body and probably not "belts" (they may have said "bands")

First, change the ATF..even if it is pretty fresh. Who knows what type of fluid they used.

Get some Maxlife High Mileage or Castrol High Mileage ATF , about five quarts. Drain the ATF from the filler threaded fitting on the pan. Don't bother removing the pan..save it for later if you need to.

Tighten up the fitting and refill the transmission with four quarts..then run the engine in neutral. Check the ATF level and be sure it is at the lower mark cold. Drive for about five miles and then check the ATF level again, at idle, in neutral with the transmission HOT.

Add enough ATF to get to the the MAX mark..do not overfill the transmission.

Then next day see how it shifts when cold in reverse. If it is improved..you will need to repeat the fluid change again..the transmission and torque converter hold about 10 quarts..so a couple of flushes are needed to do a complete change.

If there is no improvement with the High Mileage ATF..let us know. Help is here.

Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:12 pm

Thanks, for all the info. And the answer to your question is "no"--I'm not mechanical! :( That being said, I'm curious why you think it's not the valve body or bands... and why you think something might be wrong with the fluid... thanks for your time and attention... I'm on a sharp learning curve here!

Wed Dec 05, 2012 6:34 pm

I'm a little ahead on the learning curve by thirty years and a valve body would ot be my first go to on a repair you may need..the AFT our old Vanagons used was Dexron..they now use Dexron IV..its not the same. That's why I suggest changing it. Use the High Mileage ATF as it helps worn seals and "O" rings..in case the shop did a cheap rebuild and did not change all the seal pistons(they are very pricey).

Its a good first step.

Wed Dec 05, 2012 7:07 pm

I'm sure they did a lousy job. They also did the rebuild on the engine and I have had 3 oil leaks already and it only has 1000 miles on it!... I sooooo appreciate your 30 years on the learning curve. I'll follow up on the ATF. Let's hope it's that! Thanks again for your time and expertise! Zena

Wed Dec 05, 2012 7:22 pm

This is the transmission piston seal they may have reused..they are expensive, this one is $84..if you shop around you can find them for about $30. Most shops just don't have the time and just pay the price or reuse a part.

http://www.makcotransmissionparts.com/A65962A.html

Piston, 010 / 087 / 089 / 090 Reverse clutch

If this piston is not sealing well cold and leaking..your reverse gear won't work..when the ATF gets warm..the lips on the seal become more pliable and reverse works. They get that way when they are old or installed poorly.

The High Mileage ATFs has a more robust seal conditioner additive, among other things, that help older seals become more pliable.

It is a good place to start.

Wed Dec 05, 2012 9:19 pm

thanks, Atlas... :D I feel as if I just stepped on the learning curve with your help! Zena

Thu Dec 06, 2012 6:19 am

Related thread here:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=533336

Try the Type F Fluid.