1986 300sdl shifting Problems
 

Recently I have had to shift into nuetral while underway to get the trany to shift into 3rd and 4th. After a few miles the trany will down shift on its own to a lower gear. Just as if I hit the floor board kick down switch. I've replaced all of the engine compartment vacum lines, less the vac line to the trany. I've read about changing out the trans filter and refill with fluid, replacing the modulator, adjusting the throttle cable, and some thing about a "govevnor" (what ever that is). Also what is the corect ATF to use?

I'm just trying to get home to San Diego (300 miles) but don't know where to start. I'm very limited on funds at the moment so I can't aford to just swap everything listed out.

P.S. Car goes into reverse just fine and starts in the normal second gear just fine.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I was supposed to leave today for Xmas today!!!


Thanks in advance...Rob 702-285-0865 or rob_carson_jr@yahoo.com[/EMAIL"]rob_carson_jr@yahoo.com"]rob_carson_jr@yahoo.com[/EMAIL]

Have you checked the fluid? I'd also check to see if the bowden cable is sticking. Seems like you could cover the 300 miles on secondary roads at lower speeds in 3rd gear as long as it stayed in 3rd. Think of it as driving a 240d.

300 sdl shifting problems - More Replys Please
 

Hey Kerry,
Thanks for the quick reply. If you know of any other members you may refer to me it would be great!

Fluid level seems fine but I'll change it this afternoon. What is the preferred atf? Also I have know idea of what a bowden cable is?

Also unfoortunately it is all freeway...I-15 to I-8 no back roads through the desert. Las Vegas to San Diego.

Any thoughts or tips. maybe I'll just go online to a parts store for a photo.

Thanks, Rob

PS any other member thoughts are also very welcome!!!!

Your car should not start in second gear--not an issue for today.

The bowden cable attaches to the side of the injection system as in the linked photo. It provides input to the transmission on "how hard" the driver is indicating "go!" Use a screwdriver to pop it off to release that from blame--the car will still go through the gears fine enough to drive down the freeway, and no damage will be done.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/265094-what-symptoms-b2-piston-failure.html entry #14

The fluid is regular dextron iii. According to the manual a clogged filter will make the trans noisy. I'm not sure, so YMMV.

Pull fuse 5 for an easy way to see if the kickdown solenoid is getting spurious signals from a funky switch.