1995 VW Eurovan General Inquiry Transmission

[SpaceLasco]

Hello,

I am brand new to the forum. I have searched it several times for various things.

I own a 1995 VW Eurovan Camper with 226K miles and the automatic transmission. I read all these things about issues with the AT and the difficulties it causes. Honestly, it has been one of the best working transmissions I have ever used, other than it being a stupid 4 speed and WHY NO DIPSTICK!

However, there is a lifespan on everything. I am hearing it isn't a good idea to do a manual swap and I don't have any space to perform the task too.

I am also hearing that it is difficult to find someone to repair it and it would be quite expensive. I want to keep this van. I am just curious if anyone has any insight into repair shops, repair ideas.

I have owned it for about 3 years. I am the third owner and I plan to put a high roof bubble top on it. I have put lithium batteries in it, new fridge, and several other upgrades. Bigger tires!

I am just wondering if anyone has any thoughts long term?


Thanks for your time and I love my van. She is a tank!

[Joshwa]

What details did you hear about a 5spd swap not being a good idea? Unless you do not care to drive manual, the 5spd is very very simple and reliable. Otherwise, the earlier auto has a better reputation than the later. Likely from it being not worked as hard from the 5cyl gas.
_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[SpaceLasco]

From Gowesty.com

https://gowesty.com/blogs/article-library/automati...tification

I prefer manual. I wanted to buy one, but this was the better option.

I saw some stuff on here being too difficult I would have to dig them up. I would love to do diesel swap with the comparable 2.5, but I'm poor.

I guess I will do more research.

[67rustavenger]

When I bought my 03 EV. The transmission needed a rebuild literally before I ever got a chance to drive it. The rebuild was expensive.
Had I known you could swap for a 5 speed trans, I may have gone down that route but, I didn't know at the time and went ahead with the AT rebuild.

I haven't heard of the older AT's causing many issues. That said, regular fluid changes@ 15Kmiles of both the AT section and the differential will help your trans live a good life, along with a good trans cooler.
Many folks here have trans coolers installed on their vans and that fairly inexpensive upgrade had prolonged the life of their transmissions.
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GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
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[SpaceLasco]

Dang. Yeah I am happy my transmission has been reliable since I have owned it. Credit to the previous owners I am sure. I have the maintenance records.

I have been thinking about the transmission cooler but I honestly haven't had any issues with it. But in my experience that is the thing with a transmission sometimes. Sometimes it just says f**k it and you are stuck on the side of the highway. So that is also on the books. Not entirely sure if it is on there in the first place.

Maybe I will get a trans temp gauge first.

[mikemtnbike]

I’m confused by a 1995 with no dipstick, mine has one and I thought all 95 and earlier vans did. Is yours a very late production run or maybe some kind of work happened on it in the past?
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[SpaceLasco]

Is yours a manual transmission?

[SpaceLasco]

You are correct. I should've looked at it myself but there is a dipstick. The color is grey too me. I will have to look tomorrow when it isn't so gloomy out. Thanks and sorry for the mishap. THANKS!

[SpaceLasco]

DEFINITELY GREY! Interesting. Change yes I know.

[SpaceLasco]

Okay. I will take the blame on this. I automatically assume that all shitty automatic transmissions don't come with a dipstick and I overlooked the possibility of it.