I just got this car from my boss. It sat for a few years and got moved some. Starts great but now will not shift into 3rd or 4th. I was told the car had something up with the Transmission when my boss parked it. The story goes that you can drive it for a week fine then you will come to a stop one day and when you regain speed the car just will not shift up through the gears.
When I got and test drove the car it was shifting fine then I went back out to the car the next night to work on the charging systeme and when I took it for a test ride it would not shift for me, it was the first time I had it happen.
It sounds like the trans is slipping or something. It was great the day before.
Could the Vac have anything to do with lack of gears? I have played with the vac set up and the thottle linkage. I might be missing something. Please Help.

Check the transmission fluid level: car on level ground, engine/tranny at operating temperature, idling in Park. Should be between the two detents in the dipstick. If its too low it may do what you describe, but check to be sure. Vacuum issues could also probably cause the problem. Thats my best guess...I am sure others will add their thoughts as well.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Unplug the kickdown switch hidden under the carpet behind your accelerator petal. My guess is that this will fix it. I had the same problem and checked everything before that.

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1984 300D / The only Benz I have

Completed weekend projects

1. R/R front crankshaft seal
2. R/R nearly the whole vacuum system
3. Converted to WVO www.greasemachine.com
4. Upgraded to electric power locks
5. Upgraded and rewired stereo/amp/speakers
6. Installed 2.88 differential

I had done the vac and fluid checks all ready a bunch of times. Can't belive that was all it was. The switch is sticking but a little lube and it will be good as new. Thanks

I am glad to hear your transmission is working fine., however since the car has been sitting up for awhile, you probably need to drain the transmission and torque converter and refill with fresh ATF, Dexron III, or synthetic fluid. It is an easy job and beats a $2000 rebuild. I think the transmission is the most neglected item on most cars.

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Gary
85 300D Ivory, 202,000
Beatus exsisto Jesu, verus et Deus verus Vir