autostick info

- F
- Flea
  
  Contact options for registered users
posted
17 years ago

Fri, Dec 22, 2006 11:50 PM

Ello, ... ok got a few more questions .. not relating to the VW that i am slowly working on ... this question is about the autostick tranny ... how exactly does it work? is it bascially just VW's version of the automatic transmission? .. and if that's the case ... whats the shift pattern ? (like a normal auto?)

reason i am asking, .. i just purchased another 70 beetle that i am giving to my 65 yr old mom and it has the autostick tranny in it ... i have never delt with it before so haven't a clue about em (prob should start buyin up a few spare ones just to be on the safe side tho) ...

- S
- Speedy Jim
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Sat, Dec 23, 2006 12:02 AM

No, it's not like a true automatic.

It has gearbox behind a fluid coupling (torque converter). But it also has a plate clutch, operated by a vac diaphragm.

Buy the Bentley manual for '70 thru '79. It has an excellent section on the autostick.

Speedy Jim

formatting link

- F
- Flea
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Sat, Dec 23, 2006 12:20 AM

i have that book on the way already so good .. it will help out with her bug as well...

hmm ok, just tryin to get a basic understanding on how to drive it ... for when i go to pick it up and take it to her ... it still shifts like a normal manual? ... correct... but it has a clutch as well for changing gears which is done by vac... hmm sounds like this will be a learnin experience .. like that time i drove an old car with a buncha buttons on the dash that operated (sometimes) the transmission...

it's not like a true automatic.

- S
- Speedy Jim
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Sat, Dec 23, 2006 12:37 AM

The "clutch" button is *in* the gearshift. Touch the lever lightly and the vac dis-engages the clutch.

Normally, you never shift (unless backing). Just leave in "D" and go...

(There may be a Neutral safety switch, so it won't start unless in Neutral.) Jim

it's not like a true automatic.

- F
- Flea
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Sat, Dec 23, 2006 12:48 AM

ohhhh okay i gotcha now ... basically the 3 gears it does have (not counting reverse) .. are just for low gearing (mud , snow , towin) .. normal driving .. and highway speed? ... kinda like some of the CV trannys in geo metro's ...

i might not be usin the right words but i understand what it is now .. she will be able to drive that for sure ...

"clutch" button is *in* the gearshift.

it's not like a true automatic.

- N
- Noice87
  
  Contact options for registered users
Vote on answer
posted
17 years ago

Sat, Dec 23, 2006 4:57 AM

You are correct Low for towing, going up a hill, Etc. First gear for 0 to 45 some say 55 . And Highway speed is second gear. I have 5 Autosticks with a 6th on the way. Was watching another one near me but it went for 3500 and needed a fuel pump. I always shift to second when I get to around 45 and then down shift when I get to around 40 to go slower. Also remember Autosticks have no Park at least not in 70 so you have to use the Parking Brake and remember when you get back in to drive to take the parking brake off. Good luck with the car.

If you need any parts or want to sell the car sometime in the future just let me know. I keep saying I do not need any more but am at 8 now. 6 Autosticks and 2 Standards that are being parted and cut up.