Hello, I am considering buying a 1985 300sd turbo diesel with 200,000+ miles. The owner states he drove it and parked it overnight. When he got in it the next day, it would not shift out of 1st and therefore 20-25 mph was max speed. Reverse is fine. He wants $600 for it. Are there any items, such as downshift switch, vacuum modulator/lines, or Bowden cable fixes for this symptom?

Thanks,
Mark in NC

What you refer to as a "downshift switch" is usually refered to here as a "kickdown." Yes, the switch will go haywire and stick the car in first--just pull the fuse. If that doesn't work, the solenoid in the transmission may be jammed.

__________________
James Marriott
2003 Buick Regal
1983 300D (228k, frau Auto)
1996 Suburban K2500 (192k, 6.5 turbo diesel/4WD towmaster 10,000)
www.engineeringworks.biz
1987 300SDL junker 170k
1982 300SD junker, 265k

I have gotten two cars with this issue, my trans shop has condemned the transmissions as un rebuildable...

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Thanks all. I bought the car and found the kickdown switch stuck in the applied position. I removed the switch, cleaned it, and lubed it - all is good now.

__________________
Thanks,
Mark in NC

"Spark plugs?...We don't need no stinking spark plugs!"
1985 300SD "Der Silberne Schlitten" 420,000 mi


Wish these were diesel:
2003 Ford Club Wagon 130,000 mi

Good Buy.
Post some pictures..

__________________
1985 300SD
1998 Jetta TDI
Previous: lots of diesel VW's, MB's, KW's, Pete, Freightliner


Walking isn't a lost art: one must, by some means, get to the garage.