T4 auto & V.A.G.

[vannin]

I have a T4 with auto problems so I went to the "experienced" vw mechanic that read the computer and said it had a problem with the 1st gear solenoide but he cant fix it.
So then I go to an auto shop that again read the computer and aknowledge the 1st gear solenoide problem but they cant go any further as the dont have the right equipment to read the computer.
So off to VW for them to have a go. 1st off they tell me they dont work on autos so they would send me elsewhere (to cut out the middle man) but after being told that Ive tried but they cant read the computer they had a look.
$200 to read the computer and find out it has V.A.G. fault 00258 (solenoid valve 1 N8 and00660 (kickdownswitch/throttle valve)
But they also dont have the V.A.G. thingy do go any further so they are going to find one then have another go at external stuff but if its internal I,ll still have to go elsewhere.
So now its been 3 different shops 3 different bills and Im still at the start!!
Nik

[Umai Naa!!]

They're a cow of a thing to work with, so be patient with them.

[vannin]

Volkswagen, the van, or V.A.G. its all stressing me out at the moment.I dont really want to pay fo a full rebuild which will cost more than the car did!
Nik

[Umai Naa!!]

Unfortunately, you might have to go down that path.

We had one at work that had the box apart 3 times.

[6thgear]

have you considered converting to manual? i also have an auto and am considering going down that route once i save up a bit! more peace of mind with a manual methinks...

[vannin]

I asked about it and was told Id be best off buying a whole doner car!
Bit over it today maybe its a good excuse to get a lwb mmm
Nik

[Umai Naa!!]

Agreed. Punt it. It's going to be one of those things you'll never be happy with. Even if you take the plunge and get it fixed, you'll find yourself wondering when it's going to fail next.

[Golf Loon]

The lesson is dont buy a VW Automatic.

I can convert the van to manual for you, around $3500 drive in auto and drive away manual.

[vannin]

I think Ive learnt my lesson! Im going to buy a manual.
Thats not a bad price for the swap considering a new auto is $6000 but its still an auto...
Nik

[Seano]

Nik........go the Loon tune......the auto will always sing off key.

[t4 camper]

Nik,
There is a T4 auto gearbox on ebay at present.

Supposed to have only 15K.
Search on VW T4, I tried to post a link but failed miserably.

It is not far from me if I can be of any assistance, I know nothing of the seller or even if it is the correct model for your needs.

Neil

[vannin]

Thanks very much. I did see one awhile back for $1000 but its still an auto so Id always be waiting for it to spit it.
If I was any further into the build Id get the manual installed but so far the swivel passenger seat and rock & roll bed can be unbolted so we are going to try to get a lwb which would have more room for us anyway
Nik

[mish13]

We just had our T4 auto totally rebuilt and it cost $4800 which was the chepest quote we got, some were as high as $7,000. It under twelve months warranty or 25,000 ks which ever comes first

[vannin]

Ouch but the best quote Ive seen.
I just traded mine in on a MANUAL one so all is well now
Nik

[bill]

Firstly, thanks to Mr Loon for the informative chat today.

I've got a 2001 T4 auto turbo diesel 165,000K so I'm probably up for the transmission impossible in a couple of months.

After initial research my options seem to be:
1. New auto from VW about $7k
2. Reconditioned auto about $5k
3. 2nd hand manual box about $4k
4. Drive it off a cliff.
5. Have a big cry or just bottle it up for a few more years.

I'm not really too keen to replace a cactus auto with a reconditioned version of the same seemingly flawed design, so think the manual may be the go.

Has anyone done the auto - manual swap? Thanks.