The weather has turned cold here in Michigan and I have found the last two days that when the engine is cold, the transmission does not want to shift up without considerable over revving. When the engine is warm and the heater kicks in, the transmission shifts just fine. I have checked the fluid level when the engine is off, on a level surface, and it appears to be within the set lines and is not discoloured at all. Any suggestions? Should I be looking at a fluid and filter change?

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Bob Morrison
92 300D 2.5 -197000 Miles
87 300D-170000 Miles The Californian
87 Volvo240DL-200000+MilesGrandson's Now

I would think this sounds more like a vacuum problem, check all the vacuum lines going to the trans, that is if your trans is similar in the way it works on a w123.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

I have the same problem. I assume that it is vacuum. mine is marginal to start with (slow locks and slow engine shutoff) but I haven't messed with because I hope to get an engine swap done before it snows. My guess is that stuff is shrinking in the colder weather and the vacuum leaks are a little worse now. when the engine heats eveything up the hoses etc. expand back to their warm weather size and there is better vacuum.

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andy t
'78 300d
'95 volvo 850, wagon
'86 300sdl - engine out, maybe I'll have it rolling by June

whole bunch o' bicycles

Transmission fluid level should be checked with the engine running and transmission at operating temperature. Go for a drive, park on a level surface, shift from P to D to P stopping for a moment at each point to let that gear engage, then check the fluid.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD