3rd Gear Acts Wierd - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jmana · #1 10-01-2006, 10:57 PM

Ok, I think I have finally pinpointed where the problem is with my tranny. I started using the gear shift to go through the gears, and noticed when I put it into "3" it will act strange. For instance, if I put it into "3" at 3000rpm, it will drop down to 2500rpm for a little over a second, then will drop all the way down to about 1500rpm. I think this is what I was mistaking as stacked gears, but really is only a problem with 3rd gear. Is this caused by something internal to the tranny, or am I still dealing with a vacuum demon?:fork_off:

Jmana · #2 10-04-2006, 09:44 AM

Doesn't anybody have an idea of what's going on here? I keep turning in the adjustment screw on the modulator, which makes it shift right for a few hours, but the 3rd gear keeps going back to the way it was. Is it possible that one of the "spring kits" would be the fix for this?

david s poole · #3 10-04-2006, 02:11 PM

when 3rd comes on the front band releases and the front drum fills with fluid and applies the clutches.sounds like it is a little slow to fill.[worn clutches leaves more room for fluid and slows down the change]now,----when you start this car andf shift from park to rev-----how long does it take for rev to engage?

MBgrinder · #4 10-04-2006, 02:36 PM

my '79 SD takes up to three seconds to go into REV from park, but that time is shorter after lots of driving - by my 3rd gear seems fine

Jmana · #5 10-04-2006, 02:38 PM

It takes less than a second. The tranny was supposedly rebuilt before I bought the car.

Jmana · #6 10-26-2006, 03:32 PM

I've got an update on this darned 3rd gear problem. It's been getting worse and worse (especially after a drive to Florida), but early this week I accedentally started it out with the gear shifter in "3", and it shifted from 2nd into 3rd fine. I've been starting in this gear all week now, and no poblems except when I forget to do it. What could the explanation for this be??