Automatic Transmission with 1.8T

[Lamm]

I am having some issues with the auto trans in my 83.5 with 1.8T. I hope someone out there can help..

So here is the issue: When the van is in drive it takes off as normal, 1st gear fine, then shifts into 2nd. At 35 mph it shifts back down to 1st, as far as I can tell. It revs higher then engages at high rpms. Therefore I am guessing it shifted down instead of up. If I use 1st and 2nd "manually" it is fine just no 3rd gear.

This just started today, I did notice a slight delay a few days ago when it shifted into 3rd but seem to be fine.

Help!!

The transmission only has ~4k on the rebuild done through Stephans. I will call him in the morning but I live in Idaho, so taking it to him is somewhat out of the question.

Thoughts.

73 camper "Blue"
80 Westy "Ausi" brown
84 Westy "Yak Mobile"
87 Westy "ollie"
Current 83.5 "nelson" 1.8T

[danfromsyr]

was it shifting fine and now it's not
or has it never operated fine with the 1.8T conversion?

you could have a failure in the governor (stuck flyweight) maybe?
or an improperly adjusted 'manual valve' I refer to as the throttle relay lever
or a bad internal piston or accumulator.
to help diagnose I need to know a couple other points of the installation.

how is the throttle cable attached to the transmission AND the engine?

there is a troubleshooting flow chart in the 010 technical manual here.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/manuals/1975_010_transmission.php
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[Lamm]

It shifted great for the last few months I owned it. The previous owner had no problems. He is also the one who had the rebuild done and is helping me trouble shoot it.
The trans was upgraded to allow for the extra hp when the conversion was done.

I will have to take a photo of how the throttle is attached to the trans and engine.

[MarkWard]

Does the 1.8 T have an accelerator cable or is it flybywire?
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[Lamm]

Flybywire.

[danfromsyr]

soo (how) is the throttle hooked up to the Transmission?
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[MarkWard]

Ah ha.
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[Lamm]

Here are a few photos of how the trans and cabling connect.

[WestfaliaMike]

Does this happen after the trans warms up? I know it’s obviously, but need to ask, checked the fluid level?
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1981 Vanagon Westfalia
1983 Vanagon Passanger (Parts Vehicle)
2016 Passat TSI

[Lamm]

Fluid levels are good. Trans seems to be heated up and still continues.

[ThankYouJerry]

So what did Stephan say today? He’s usually very available and helpful.
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1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD

[Lamm]

Stephan was good to talk to and had some great insight. He also gave me the number of the guy who rebuilt the trans, Eric, he was helpful. Said to check the throttle cable to the trans and the governor. If the fluid is good and has no metal shavings then it should be some minor adjustments to the trans cable. This will influence the "kick down" to a lower gear versus up shifting. Haven't tried it yet so I will post tomorrow. Crossing my fingers!

I really appreciate all the feed back from everyone and will keep you posted.

[danfromsyr]

it doesn't look like you'll get alot of adjustment there with the drive by wire pedal cable.
but if you can orient (move) the trans lever more forward it will be more firm and crisp.
there is an adjustment under the front foot pedal to take the slack out on that end. under a little black plastic triangularish box

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