I've never been able to fix the no 2nd gear syndrome by adjusting the band
but I have seen the piston seals fail. The 2nd gear brake band piston can be
serviced with the tranny in place. It also possible on of internal pistons
is shot and the tranny will need an overhaul. The Bentley has a test
procedure using a pressure gauge to help test the internal hydraulics.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Ken Wilford
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 5:27 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Automatic transmission advice needed

I just bought a 90 GL Vanagon that has a strange transmission problem
(at least I haven't run into it before).  It is like 2nd gear doesn't
exist.  It will go in first no problem but then it just winds up until
it shifts into 3rd and then it will go down the road fine that way.  If
you try to put it in 2nd gear with the shifter it will allow you to do
this but it won't engage 2nd instead you can just rev it up and nothing
happens (just revs).  I have a good used transmission I can put in place
of this one but if there is a way to make this one happy again I would
like to know about it.  I was thinking about trying to adjust the 2nd
gear brake band to see if this would help.  Anyone that has experienced
this type of problem and has some advice, I would sure appreciate it.

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242