1971 Squareback Automatic 3rd Gear Problems. HELP!!!

[gokufreak1]

Hey guys. I'm fairly new to The Samba, and I just purchased a 1971 Volkswagen Squareback automatic Fuel Injected (Air Cooled)

I'm having some problems.

This car is my first car, and I'm eager to learn more about how to operate and service my own vehicle. I just had it tuned up. I believe that only the sparkplugs were replaced, and I think he adjusted the fourth cylinder (I THINK)
The car is definitely a project car, but the main problem right now that I have with it, is the third gear. Here's the basis of my problem:

Shifts into 2nd at around 20-25 and then accelerates to about 30-40 in 2nd, and then I ease up on the throttle to let it shift, and then it shifts into 3rd (here's where my problem is), but if I move the throttle at all while it is in 3rd, it'll just shift right back into 2nd and I am doomed to repeat 3rd falling back into 2nd.

I have no idea how to fix this. Could someone help? I don't know much about engines but I am VERY eager to get my hands dirty. Help

[Tram]

1. Check fluid level after driving and with engine at full operating temp on a level surface, engine running, trans in P or N, brake on.
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Немає виправдання для війни! Я з Україною.

[sharkskinman]

check the fluid level at op temp in N
check the final drive hypoid oil and see if there are any ATF in it

check the vacuum module on the trans
take off the hose and see if you have oil in it (common but maybe a couple table spoons)
also see if there is ATF in it
If it has ATF in it then the diaphragm in it is bad and the whole module will need to be changed

NOW.... how far it is threaded in IS ALSO AN ADJUSTMENT
as well as the adjustment IN the module

take the hose off and take a small allen wrench and put it in the module
mark it or Remember where you start and turn it clockwise 1/4 turn
drive it
then see how it shifts
if need be put it back to og then turn it 1/4 turn counter clockwise

make sure the hose from the (plenum (center piece) "F.I." or carb) to the module is secure
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74 Mexi Swamp Thing. 70 square volksrod (Swamp Rat)..65 C10

[KTPhil]

Also check the adjustment of the throttle body kickdown switch.

[Tram]

Yeah, but check the fluid level FIRST. If the level is not correct, all bets are off on anything else.
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Немає виправдання для війни! Я з Україною.

[Multi69s]

As Tram said

ATF fluid 1st, it is your life blood. Then I would look at the throttle kickdown switch. It is a little switch that the FI pushes when the throotle is wide open. You will here a clicking sound when it engages. You should only here the click (right) when the throttle is wide open. As a quicke test, dissconnect the wire between in and the auto and see if it still acts up. If it does the problem is somewhere else.

If you have an auto, you need a Bentley
_________________
69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=

[gokufreak1]

Does anyone have any diagrams of any of this? :O

[gokufreak1]

And are you referring when you say "you need a Bentley" to the repair manuals? I can't seem to find online where to purchase them.

[Multi69s]

here is the diagram of the kickdown. Try dissconnecting one of the wires at the arrow and see if that helps

You can get the bentley on amazon or even e bay.
_________________
69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=

[gokufreak1]

Thanks so much guys. I'll post again when I try everything out probably this weekend to report on where I'll be at.

[Mike Fisher]

VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE MANUAL Type 3 1968 through 1973 by Bentley. www.books4cars.com

Chapter 8 on the AT is very complete for rebuilding even.

The AT is known as the 003 and is a simple old Borg-Warner (USA) design.

www.bulkpart.com has rebuilding kits

If you took it to your local Automatic Transmission Shop with your Bentley for them to See what's what inside, they can fix or rebuild it.
_________________
https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold

Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey

[KTPhil]

Try printing this out and going through it:
http://classicvw.org/gallery2/v/automatic/

[gokufreak1]

Here's the dealio. I want to check with you guys before I do anything screw anything up. The ATF levels are how they are supposed to be and no dice. So if it isn't the ATF, then what could it be? I found a way around it for the time being... I just throw it in "2" until it's to about 50 then I throw it in "D" and it stays in 3rd.

[KTPhil]

Ummm... check the kickdown switch and use the troubleshooting guide I linked to?

[Slow 1200]

have you adjusted the bowden cable? maybe your 3 position in the gate is almost 2 in the box

[gokufreak1]

I am sorry that I keep posting asking questions when you are all clearly answering them. But I drove it again today around 10 miles and here's what I did:


To get it into 3rd and make it accelerate without downshifting back into 2nd, I throw it into 2 and get the car to about 45-48 then throw it into Drive then let up on the throttle and it shifts into 3rd and keeps accelerating. I got it up to 70 before I decided to stop speeding...lol...

So what does this mean? If it CAN go into 3rd and accelerate, why is it only not working when it is in drive?

[sharkskinman]

try just flooring it

my auto can do 60 in second

im guessing trans adjustment
_________________
74 Mexi Swamp Thing. 70 square volksrod (Swamp Rat)..65 C10

[Multi69s]

Try this then get back to us.

Put it in drive and accelerate normally. when it gets to the 3rd gear shift point (40-50) DON'T LET UP on the throttle keep it steady and see what happens.

Next put it in drive and floor it. DON'T LET UP anywhere. See if 3rd comes in around 60ish when floored.

Remember, for both tests do not back off of the throttle.
_________________
69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=

[Absoluteyeti]

This old thread had most of the info i needed except i'm seeing some variation with the 70 version. Is "Drive" "3" on the selector?

[Tram]