The VanAgain Blog

Tips, how-to guides, and stories from the VW van community

Checking and filling transmission Fluid on Late Model Eurovan.
Transmission

Checking and filling transmission Fluid on Late Model Eurovan.

The late model Eurovans have no dip stick for their transmission fluid and according to VW they are supposed to be a sealed unit with a “lifetime” fluid inside. However in reality you can have leaks that can lower your fluid level o

Ken Wilford
Jan 28, 2015
How-to Remove and Replace Eurovan Shocks
Ask Ken

How-to Remove and Replace Eurovan Shocks

I just did this yesterday so I thought I would write it up while I have it fresh in my mind. The front shocks are the worst. You will need some odd sized sockets. Have 16mm, 18mm, and 20mm sockets and wrenches ready. I mention this becau

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Replace your Vanagon Antenna
Ask Ken

How to Replace your Vanagon Antenna

How to remove an old antenna and install a new one on a Vanagon. Real easy. Buy a new antenna. I have VW ones for $45 (fully retractable). Remove your grille and driver’s side headlight assembly. Remo

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Install a "Wet" Oil Pressure Gauge on a Vanagon
Ask Ken

How to Install a "Wet" Oil Pressure Gauge on a Vanagon

I bought a generic oil pressure gauge from FLAPS and then I went to Napa to get 20′ of plastic oil line (I used at least 15 feet!). I set up a “T” using a 2 1/2″ piece of threaded pipe and a “T” fittin

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Stop your Oil Light from Flickering at idle
Ask Ken

How to Stop your Oil Light from Flickering at idle

How to stop that Flickering oil light. You just bought your Vanagon after test driving it and being pleased with how it drove and everything seems great. Then you take the first trip over 30 mins and come to a stop sign. The red l

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Troubleshoot your Vanagon for "Bucking" or Loss of Power Syndrome
Ask Ken

How to Troubleshoot your Vanagon for "Bucking" or Loss of Power Syndrome

Why does my Vanagon Buck or Miss and lose power? Many Vanagons experience a similar problem of bucking, rich running and power loss. This page is to help troubleshoot this problem and determine it’s cause so that it may be c

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Replace your ignition switch (all year and model Vanagons)
Ask Ken

How to Replace your ignition switch (all year and model Vanagons)

How-to Replace the ignition switch on a Vanagon: I sell the ignition switch for the Vanagon here . Here is how to remove and replace the switch. <ol

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Troubleshoot your Radiator Fan System (83.5-91 non-diesel Vanagons)
Ask Ken

How to Troubleshoot your Radiator Fan System (83.5-91 non-diesel Vanagons)

How-to, very simply, trouble shoot the Radiator Fan system on 83.5-91 watercooled (non-diesel) Vanagons. Remove lower grille Unplug the radiator fan temp switch plug on the front of the radiator Make a shor

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to Change Front Brake Pads ('86-91 Vanagon)
Ask Ken

How to Change Front Brake Pads ('86-91 Vanagon)

How To Change Front Brake Pads (&#8217;86-91 Vanagon) A quick how-to on changing brake pads on Vanagons with Girling Calipers (&#8217;86-91 including Syncro). Place van on level, hard surface Chock the rear wheels or

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to inspect the rear brakes on a Vanagon
Ask Ken

How to inspect the rear brakes on a Vanagon

Getting ready to inspect rear brakes: Anything having to do with the brake system is very dirty. You will at least want some latex gloves, brake cleaner and a pair of overalls to cover your clothes. You will get dirty. The first

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
How to troubleshoot a Vanagon that won't start
Ask Ken

How to troubleshoot a Vanagon that won't start

Help my 2.1l Vanagon has fallen on it&#8217;s face and it can&#8217;t get up! A Vanagon Stalls and Won&#8217;t Start. I have had people email me with this problem about a million times so I finally decided to do a web page

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2014
The Truth about Vanagon Heads and Head Gasket Replacement
Cooling

The Truth about Vanagon Heads and Head Gasket Replacement

Of course the Head Gasket is the bugger boo of Vanagon ownership. Much has been made of how unreliable the Vanagon is because of the head gaskets have a tendency to leak over time. However with regular maintenance you can extend the life

Ken Wilford
Aug 6, 2009

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