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Bassyaks Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2010 Posts: 1140 Location: S.E. Connetitcut
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:17 am Post subject: 2.1 Automatic Transmission experts Is there a check valve?? |
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87 Westy
2.1 ,Auto.
When I don't use the van for a few days , after startup, I put it in gear --nothing in fwd or rev. If I let it warm up about 30-60 seconds it's perfect.
Is there a check valve which keeps the fluid from draining from the valve body? |
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Terry Kay Banned

Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:20 am Post subject: |
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Whens the last time you changed the trans filter? _________________ T.K. |
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dubbified Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010 Posts: 1482 Location: Redmond, WA
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 1:19 pm Post subject: |
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yea, give some info about the life of the trans.. How old it is, known maintenence cycles, fluid changes, filter change?
The pedal linkages throw movement into the automatic selector, then relay into the Throttle plate. I bought our van and knew the underbody was coated in FUDGE, a thick coat of mud, dirt, dust, oil and time.
After many intrusive (me laying on the floor in rainsuit armed with presurewasher and degreasers) cleaning, I managed to remove all the fudge..
Upon checking the lever for any restriction/binding.. check the movement on the shifter cable at the selector lever on the trans.. perhaps some cleaning/lube is required?
I decided to rebuild my trans when having issues shifting, wasnt completely compliant.. and I was at 126K.. forseeing a 10K roadtrip I didnt want to guess, had it rebuilt. but, not all situations warrant that approach.
Tthe levers would not move by hand.. with the trans on the floor.. sent it in for rebuild to german trans in Oregon.. got it back, and they were blowin in the breeze easy for the most part.. (the shifter takes a little more push to actuate) both levers were far easier to move when I got it back.
Now.. no issues with shifting. I also replaced both cables from accel and shifter cables.. better snap one up, they're going quick! Definitely a NLA part. |
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madspaniard Samba Member

Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 3795 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 1:43 pm Post subject: Re: 2.1 Automatic Transmission experts Is there a check valv |
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Bassyaks wrote: |
87 Westy
2.1 ,Auto.
When I don't use the van for a few days , after startup, I put it in gear --nothing in fwd or rev. If I let it warm up about 30-60 seconds it's perfect.
Is there a check valve which keeps the fluid from draining from the valve body? |
Mine does the same during winters on very cold starts like first thing in the morning and others have reported the same in other threads. I do regular maintenance to fluids and filters. _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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Bassyaks Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2010 Posts: 1140 Location: S.E. Connetitcut
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Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 4:08 pm Post subject: |
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It has been about 10K since fluid change. It happened on cold days, it should go into the single digits tonight. I've also have heard a "high pitch zipping noise, like the drag on a fishing reel on some cold start up with movement in both fwd and rev., It sounds like belt noise but I don't think it is. It's not the P/S as it doesn't change when turning the wheel. I'm changing the A/T fluid this week what kind should I use. |
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Terry Kay Banned

Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:22 am Post subject: |
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When you change the fluid & the filter, fill the trans up using Type F fluid.
It'll give you new found crisp shifts. _________________ T.K. |
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MarkWard Samba Member

Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 18717 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: 2.1 Automatic Transmission experts Is there a check valv |
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Bassyaks wrote: |
87 Westy
2.1 ,Auto.
When I don't use the van for a few days , after startup, I put it in gear --nothing in fwd or rev. If I let it warm up about 30-60 seconds it's perfect.
Is there a check valve which keeps the fluid from draining from the valve body? |
Yes, at least on the audi transmission. It has a check ball in the front cover that keeps the torque convertor from draining when it sits. The vanagon does not have a front cover, but there is most likely a check ball under a tiny plug somewhere on the front of the differential. I have not looked for it and don't know if the Bentley manual shows it. Normally, it would not be servicable. A peice of crud keeps the ball from seating and the torque convertor will drain overnight.
What is happening is the torque convertor is filling during the first minute before it will move off. I might be inclined to live with it if that in case was the problem and see if another symptom develops. Sorry I can't be of more help. Been a long time since I was into a Vanagon Automatic. |
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Terry Kay Banned

Joined: June 22, 2003 Posts: 13331
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:10 pm Post subject: |
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What your more than likely hearing is the pump in the trans whining for oil.
If that filter's plugged up--they'll howl like a cat-- _________________ T.K. |
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USGSHYDROMAN Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2009 Posts: 98 Location: SOUTH CAROLINA
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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I have recently noticed mine doing the same thing. Checked the fluid after sitting for several days and still cold. Stick showed it to be overfilled. I drove it around for about 30 min, checked it again while running, fluid was just above lower mark. Seems to shift fine otherwise. just going to start giving her about 60 seconds warm up before I put it in drive.
1987 2.1 wbx
A/T |
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cee Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2010 Posts: 65
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Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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Terry Kay wrote: |
What your more than likely hearing is the pump in the trans whining for oil.
If that filter's plugged up--they'll howl like a cat-- |
I would check that filter screen and replace it anyways. They are cheap ($15)and it is easy to do with the fluid drained. When i took mine apart found some debris caught here. Don't know how much needs to be there to cause pump issues, it was like a pasty grey material, but clean is better. You can even re-use the pan seal if you like. |
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Bassyaks Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2010 Posts: 1140 Location: S.E. Connetitcut
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 3:24 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the great advice |
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cee Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2010 Posts: 65
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Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 3:34 pm Post subject: |
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Let us know how you make out. It can help others later. |
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