I have adjusted the bowden cable and have good vacuum and I can get the car to shift firmly or softly but it does not shift to 4th?

I haven't touched anything on the transmission itself and I do have a very spongy shifter which I think may be part of the problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Doug

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1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

your kickdown button may be stuck. go behind throttle pedal and disconnect the 2 wire harness on the button then take it for a ride. easy and cheap repair . if that it, you can drive car while awaiting part,just no kickdown. use shifter iinstead if you need that momentary rocket feel you get from a MB diesel. LOL. Mike

__________________
1983 300TD
1983 300sd

clogged or unglued tranf filter may cause that, has it been serviced recently?

__________________
1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins

No, actually planned to do it today. I have the filter and gasket and will report once that is completed.

I will check the kick down switch but that was functioning as recently as yesterday.

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

inside the upper part of the filter where the fluid enters the valve body, the filter element comes un glued, if this happens the filter will raise up and restrict the flow of fluid, be sure not to over fill when you are done, i like to initially add three quarts of fluid, start the car, add one more then only add until the fluid is slightly below the lower "cold" mark, then drive for a bit and recheck. i usually run it alittle below the top mark when the transmission is at normal temp, usually after a 10-15 mile drive. as for the kick down switch best way to check it is with the key on engine off, press the gas pedal all the way to the floor and actuate the switch while listening under the car for an autible solenoid click. (you may need a helper for this). if you hear the click, it usually means all is well., i have seen the switches stick in the actuated position.,

__________________
1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins

I changed out the filter and fluid today, the fluid was still clean and transparent and the filter appeared intact. Did not affect any change at all.

The car shifts well up and down, kick down works, holds gears well. Is there any way that my shifter is so out of whack that it is causing this?

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6