If I keep it on second (S), it seems to switch twice and I can get to around 40. If I start in drive (D) it revs and will not switch; I can get to maybe 20Mph. I could not find any hoses disconnected.

update
unplugged the kickdown switch. Same as before. I left it unplugged.

Where is the bowden cable.

I tried flooring the gas pedal and the gears did switch but roughly (at about 60Mph it revved again; maybe I never reached 4th, just driving quickly in 3rd?) and with quickly screeching the tires. I did not try this before disconnecting the kickdown.

Some smoke coming out of the turbo, I think there is an oil leak around there and the oil is burning.


UPDATE 2

Wife took the car to the shop. Tech says car needs a new transmission. Has a used one for $1000 (no guarantee) or rebuilt for $1600.

Does this make sense? i.e. can an experienced tech tell just by driving it?

How does one decide whether a new transmission is needed?


UDATE 3

ok, it looks like it will not switch from 3rd to 4th as if there is no 4th, just revs.
I took it Enrique whom I guess I can trust from posts here.
I think I am going to go with a used tranny and sell the car as wife is sick of all the repairs and has grown to hate it.

Unplug your kickdown switch to see if that is the problem and also check the bowden cable to make sure it is functioning smoothly.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

thanks. Any pics or diagrams? Can't seem to find the kickdown switch.

Its under the accellerator pedal. Easy access if you remove the carpet panel.

__________________
RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

unplugged the kickdown switch. Same as before. I left it unplugged.
Where is the bowden cable.

I tried flooring the gas pedal and the gears did switch but roughly and with quickly screeching the tires. I did not try this before disconnecting the kickdown.

Some smoke coming out of the turbo, I think there is an oil leak around there and the oil is burning.

I may not have much time as it's wife's daily driver and she'll need it so may have to take to shop.

Lovecraft sucks.

Mine was stuck in 2nd... could do 30 MPH at about 4000 RPM or so. Adjusting or even disconnecting the Bowden cable OR the kickdown switch did not resolve it.... Mine ended up being a gummed up valve body / and transmission filter.

Before you do anything else, put some Trans-X additive to clean things up, then drain the transmission fluid AND the Torque convertor, and do a filter / fluid change. Make SURE to drain the torque convertor as well, otherwise, if the fluid is real dirty, it will clog up your filter again...

Wife took the car to the shop. Tech says car needs a new transmission. Has a used one for $1000 (no guarantee) or rebuilt for $1600.
The tech looked at it and drove it but did not attempt anything else.

Does this make sense? i.e. can an experienced tech tell just by driving it?

How does one decide whether a new transmission is needed?

The fluid looks very clean (pink). I don't have the car here any more.

Your did not need a new transmission, then?

Premature diagnosis in my opinion. Does the mechanic have a lot of experience with MB transmissions?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

yes, tech has a lot of experience with MB and has always been trustworthy so far. He is not a transmission specialist.

should I keep this car? paid 2500 and put another 2500 into repairs like vacuum pump, windows, vacuum system and other crap. Transmission would be another 1600. Total cost around 7000 so far.

That is correct... did not need a new transmission, even though I was told the same thing by transmission shops. My fluid also looked very clean and bright. I was amazed at how it went from being stuck in 2nd to shifting perfectly. If you do decide to replace the fluid, make sure that the Torque convertor is also drained, and the filter replaced. Prior to that, i would highly recommend putting some Trans-X to clean the valve body.

Not sure if you have the same problem as mine... but might be worth a shot.

Good Luck to you, and reagrds.

ok, it looks like it will not switch from 3rd to 4th as if there is no 4th, just revs.
I took it Enrique whom I guess I can trust from posts here.
I think I am going to go with a used tranny and sell the car as wife is sick of all the repairs and has grown to hate it.

One more thing to try... should take you no more than 10 minutes... and costs nothing to try...

There is a modulator on your transmission, with a vacuum hose on it. Unplug the vacuum hose ( and leave it disconnected). Then, remove the modulator cover, and turn the T-Handle clockwise a full turn or so...

I too had that problem as well :-))) My modulator was stuck, and even though I disconnected the vacuum line, I still had to turn in the modulator....