Hi there, Im wondering if anyone would know what the thin hard plastic tube that comes up (or down) from the rear of the engine and curves through a clip and ends up somewhere in the general left-middle or rear of the engine area is for?

It looks like it broke off or disconnected from somewhere and I cant figure it out. Is this a vacuum line? Its probably only about 2 or 3 mm in diameter. ( I took some pictures but dont have the files with me)

My transmission has be running rough for the last few months, Heavy shifting and sometimes erratic and doesnt shift at the right time. Ive been reading some posts about the vacuum lines and trasmissions and have been told by annother experienced mechanic this is the first place I should look (the vacuum lines.)

Im still much a beginner machanic, but have a good mechanical inclination but havent worked on cars ever untill recently. I have the right schematics for the transmission vacuum lines however I cant easily read and understand the schematic as a guide where to look for these lines in reality and when it comes down to working on it Im a little confused as to which hose is which.

I would love a picture manual pointing out what parts are what. I have a Hanes but it doesnt go into the vacuum system. Do the MB CD manuals have pictures in them?

Lots of questions here. Thanks
Michael