Date:         Mon, 21 Jul 2025 22:12:54 -0400
Reply-To:     Ray Brubaker <rayandmerle@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ray Brubaker <rayandmerle@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Auto transmission not shifting question
In-Reply-To:  <f34369cd-53b9-4a94-9521-0de63fbbada6@dugbert.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

I'm living with a long standing problem of mine not shifting into 3rd when
it is hot. If I back off the power, it will shift and then I can apply
power again and it will stay in 3rd. It also sometimes needs a little blip
of the throttle to get it to go into reverse and then it goes in hard. In
2018 I spoke with a trans overhaul shop about this and whether to try an
additive like Lucas. He said the additives are good now and it would be
worth a try. I changed the fluid and added Lucas. It helped for a while but
the problem has returned. It will always shift when I let off the power and
let the RPM drop about 1000. The torque converter is slinging a small
amount of fluid so there is a seal leak there, so my tranny is tired.. I
don't usually drive it far these days.

Ray

On Fri, Jul 18, 2025 at 10:57 PM Dug Smith <dug@dugbert.com> wrote:

> Hi Eric,
>
> I had a similar behaviour when a seal in the torque converter failed.
>
> I would say make sure it's actually in Drive rather than looking like
> it's in Drive but it's actually in 2.
>
> Low or dirty fluid could do that too, but if the fluid level's low,
> where did it go?
>
> On 7/18/2025 19:50, Eric Caron wrote:
> > Hi folks,
> >
> >          Today we set out in the 85 Auto for a short trip.  A little way
> from home I noticed that the transmission had not shifted into third gear
> even though we were moving at 38,000 RPM and 45 mph.
> >
> > This happened yesterday morning as well but we thought it was  driver
> error.  And, looking back, it happened a couple weeks ago.
> > Any thoughts as to why the transmission would not change to third gear?
> >
> > It so far only happens once at the start of a trip.
> >
> > I’ll get it hot and check transmission fluid level tomorrow.
> >
> > Not sure if fluid level could even be a factor.
> >
> > Any tips or suggestions appreciated.
> >
> > Eric Caron
> > 85 Auto
>
> toodle pip,
> --
>        Dug Smith          | Terry Pratchett: It's almost
> (mailto:dug@dugbert.com) |  impossible to ride a rock and roll
> (http://www.dugbert.com) |  motorbike and stay on for three verses.
>