I just got a nice low mile 79 300SD. Its transmission - (722120-02-009792) works well except that it starts in 2nd like a 240D automatic when either D or S is selected. Otherwise this transmission tests out well. It engages very quickly in both 1(or 2) and R from neutral, the shifting is firm and right on the correct shift points, it never slips and never slides into a shift. If I start out in L, and immediately select D, it works just like a 300SD should, starting out in 1 and shifting upward. My other W116 300SDs shift into 2 after about a 20 foot roll.

In summation, if I select D or S, it starts in 2. It wont kick down to 1 ever. It will manually shift down to 1 at low speeds and it will start in 1 when L is selected. It has new filter and fluid. The old filter and fluid were clear and fresh in appearance.


What would be keeping the transmission from going into 1 ??

Thanks,

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JMF