'81 240D no fwd, no rev auto transmission!
 

What?

A few days ago I backed in to a parking slot at my favorite hardware store. I came out about 5 minutes later, and did no leave with my car! I put her in drive and nothing happened. No reverse, either.
After renting a trailer (we had a rather exciting blowout on a busy highway), I got her home. I tried warming her up to check the transmission fluid level in a level spot, but the ATF remains cold, and for some reason above the full mark. I get a change in RPMS when I hit reverse, but not the slightest threat of motion.
I doubt this is a band adjustment issue, but I have never had trouble with an automatic transmission that did not give clues to it's condition first, as this has. Total surprise.
Somebody out there tell me that this is an easier fix than it appears. Or at least tell me you have (or know where I can get) a used auto for my
car for cheap. I am missing school time here (I am 30 miles from the school, and public transportation is NOT an option). She has been such a good girl, it makes me sad to just go out and start her with no chance to go anywhere.

Any help appreciated!

Thanks!

Stan (NW Washington State)

try revving it up and putting it into gear. Maybe the front pump is weak and not building pressure like it should, but I doubt this would happen all of a sudden.

Might just be a simple shifter bushing.
Your came disconnected when in neutral.
I had one go bad in drive, couldn't go back or stay still w/o brakes.
Might be the first thing to check, if the shifter has no effect on the tranny.

Revving engine made no difference. The linkage sounds the same and feels the same (bad bushings and all). Please expand on this linkage issue. I did get under there and look, nothing appears to be disconnected.

Stan

have tried L?

Tried L and all the rest.

Gettin' nervous now.

well did you try holding the motor at about 2500 RPM and them dropping it in D?

I think the tranny is shot.. sorry

maybe this could be your problem
http://www.dieselgiant.com/Mercedesb2pistonsealreplacementl.htm

To me, "SHOT" is scrapyard time. If I need to do a rebuild of some sort, that is fine. I have no intention of junking this transmission. I can try holding it at 2500 RPM and dropping it into "D", but I am thinking that the pump is not functioning properly.


Stan

try it, you can't hurt anything it might fall into gear....

Looking at the B2 replacement on D-GIANT. I did have occasional slipping here and there. When the failure occurred, there was a small, yet audible "thump". I thought I had broken a flex disc. But there is no motion to the output shaft. Could a broken B2 leave me motionless? If so, I will gladly replace it and see if I and my good girl get moving again!


Stan

There is no B2 issue on the 722.1xx transmission.

I think it may be a torque converter/front pump issue. If the linkage feels normal, I would loosen one of the transmission cooler lines going into the radiator, put a drain pan under there, start the car and move the lever through the range. If fluid does not come gushing out, that's probably your problem.:(

Rick

This sounds like a project for today. Thanks.

Stan

What would be the fixes for those if I am not pumping fluid? Front pump sounds like the transmission is going to have to come out.

Stan

You got it- transmission is going to have to come out and you will be looking for another torque converter and/or front pump and some gaskets. The fix itself is not too involved apart from pulling the lump.