Low range feels the same as First Range

[frankiet]

We bought an 1970 AS Bug and we love it.
I'm not a gear head at all so I don't want to mess anything up but... :roll:

When driving up a hill I thought "hey! I should try the low range 'cause this car is really struggling". So I shifted. It seemed exactly the same as first range same RPM (I have no tach but it sounded identical and struggled just as hard). I tested it again on flat ground and yes, Low is identical to First. :!:

Is this possible? Did some mechanic just connect it up this way for some wacky reason?
:!:  :!:
Please Help.

[bookwus]

Hiya Frank,

Welcome to the forum!

The symptoms you describe sound to me as if your torque converter is out of whack.  In order to determine if it is not functioning as designed, you will need to run a stall test.  I know you are not a gearhead, but the stall test is actually pretty easy to do.  However, it is very important that you follow the directions for this test to the letter!  It is possible to do harm to your car if you do not.

You will need to get a copy of Robert Bentley's Official VW Service Guide (look for the one with the orange cover at Amazon.com) to get the procedure.  I know this sounds likes a cop-out, but, believe me, if you own a 1970 Volkswagen you absolutely need a copy of this service manual.

[Cobey]

There are also full details of the test on this site.

[frankiet]

Thank you very much!