1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon addresses the 2.1L flat-four, an overhead-valve gasoline engine without forced induction, in the 3-door standard passenger van and the 3-door van camper. Trims for the year are Campmobile, GL and Syncro. The manual supplies specifications and torque values for the engine, procedures for the fuel system, ignition and cooling, and wiring diagrams and diagnostics for the electrical system, together with transmission, brake, suspension and body procedures.

Engines covered

• 2.1L flat-four — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 3-door standard passenger van
• 3-door van camper

Trims covered

• Campmobile
• GL
• Syncro

Known issues on the 1987 Vanagon. Seven recalls are logged for the 1987 Vanagon. On certain vans with automatic transmissions, the pin in the shift locking pawl might not be welded securely, and if it separated the lever could move without the release button; 1,600 vehicles were covered. Certain vans had rear passenger seat brackets that might not lock in, letting a seat break loose under acceleration, a recall of 2,397 vehicles. On certain camper vans using cruise control, the accelerator cable could go slack, snag on a water pipe bracket and keep the throttle from closing. Of 13 complaints, 5 cite the gasoline fuel system; 2 reported a fire and 1 an injury. Transmission and fuel system procedures apply.