While we wait for the fun and games to begin let me give you a quick info session on the autostick transmissions.
An autostick transmission (which was VW's attempt at making automatic transmissions.) is one where gears do not change automatically but is a set-up where gear changing is done manually without the need to press and release the clutch pedal as part of the gear shift operation. Other than that it is your regular three speed manual transmission driven thru a torque converter. The clutch is operated off engine vacuum by a servo and the electric switch that opens the vacuum valve is at the base of the gear lever.
On the history side, the Autosticks were not much liked even though they were fun. There were some common problems associated with the autosticks. The switch at the base of the shift lever was the first problem. With the opening and closing of the switch like the CB points in the distributor (kind of) resulted in mild sparking and the switch had to be cleaned occasionally. That and the gap of the switch if adjusted right gave you an almost 12 month trouble free service.
The second problem was the location of the reserve vacuum tank which was located under the left rear fender. I don't know what the engineers were smoking when they decided to place it there as it is so exposed to the moisture that it would inevitably rust and leak...sooner in areas near the sea or where they sprinkle salt on the roads during winter. The diaphragm inside the servo would also dry out and needed replacement every year or so.
The third and a fairly common problem with Autosticks was not really blamable on the car but the drivers. The autosticks were unlike the regular automatics (R. N. D. 1. 2.)so you still had to shift in the proper gear or risk wearing out the engine prematurely. The over revving wore off the center bearing in the engine block
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