3rd gear

[georgiaboy]

i have a 1973 auto-stick,i have low ,rev and 2nd(top right)but nothing on 3rd.i haven't been on highway to need 3rd.if i'm setting still will she pull off in 3rd or do nothing?tommorrow i plan on taking her out to see if she works or not.

[bookwus]

i have a 1973 auto-stick,i have low ,rev and 2nd(top right)but nothing on 3rd.i haven't been on highway to need 3rd.if i'm setting still will she pull off in 3rd or do nothing?tommorrow i plan on taking her out to see if she works or not.

Hiya Warren,

First off, welcome to the group.
It's hard to tell from your post whether you have a problem with your transmission or not.  Please post back and tell us how the test-drive went for you.
And a pointer for you.........just so we are all talking about the same thing......when you look at the "H" shaped shift pattern of an AutoStick......the top left position is Reverse, the bottom left position is Low Range, the top right position is First Range, and the bottom right position is Second Range.  
Yeah, I know, it sounds a little goofy.  But that is the way VW made out the nomenclature for the beast.

Mike

1970 AS Bug

[georgiaboy]

man i am sorry,you are exactly right mike.i have reverse top left,low bottom left, and 1st (2nd whatever the proper) top right. when i tried bottom right which would be high or should i say 3rd?she acted as if in neutral nothing i was traveling about 30-35 mph.third will not do anything.if need to go faster will have to wait ,i'm on a cooler for seat no tag as of today for highway.she is under construction.

[bookwus]

Hiya Warren,

If you are getting nothing from tranny when you shift into Second Range at 30 to 35 mph, you may have big problems.  

But let's start here.......32 mph is an indicated shift point to go from Low Range into First Range.  Shifting from First Range to Second Range at 30 to 35 mph can be done, but, at best, you'll probably be lugging the engine somewhat.  Even so, you should get some "oomph" from the car with that shift.  

90% of the problems with an AutoStick can be solved WITHOUT getting into the case of the transmission.  If you simply have NO Second Range........  Well Warren, that says the tranny is going to have be dropped and some major work is ahead of you.

[68AutoBug]

It doesn't sound too good...
VW wanted to make it easy for NON Manual drivers...
Just use Drive 1 & Drive 2 or just use Drive 2.... all the time..

If the gearlever actually stays where drive 2 is...  very odd...
If the gearlever won't stay there.. maybe the gearlever is incorrectly installed... or the rear gearlever rod linkage is bent or something.... hopefully... take the cover off under the rear seat... & check the linkage attachment there...
If everything is OK.. then something in the gearbox is bent ....
I won't say broken... as if it was broken it may jam up the gears etc..
But, it looks like the Gearbox has to come out and be disassembled and fixed.. Maybe just a selector bent
It doesn't sound like normal wear though...

Lee
[/b]

[georgiaboy]

i have not been able to keep the gear lever in 2nd i really don't think it's engaging properly.it doesn't feel like it anyway,when you hold it in 2nd position you can hear a whining noise.i looked at the linkage under the back seat it looks  ok.before i pull the tranny i will look at the linkage again,i will replace all the hoses
 when you go back to neutral a second later you can'' hear'' the diaphram release,
 i really appreciate you fellas giving up your time and experience to help,thanks.

[68AutoBug]

Let Us know how You go with the problem...
If You hold a gear in and it makes a noise its not usually good news..
You might be able to find a good used gearbox..
I always use oil additives in My gearboxes.. always have.. tried all different brands.. Never had any problems with a gearbox..
I have an additive in My Gearbox Oil & steering box...
I also have an additive for the Automatic Transmission oil , I haven't used it yet..
Best of Luck

Lee  -- 68AutoBug -- Australia --