Harsh/Softness Transmission Adjustment 190E
 

Does the 1993 190E 3.2 have an adjustment that will allow me to soften the shift? If so how is the adjustment made?

Yes, it's called the Control Pressure Cable or Bowdin (sp) cable.

I can send you the PDF file on Monday (it's on my computer @ work). The file is too big to be attached to a message here, so you'll have to send me an e-mail, then I'll reply back with the attachement.

Keep in mind that adjusting this also changes your shift points. So you can have late/hard shifts (more aggressive), or early/soft shifts (more relaxed). But shift-points and shift-harshness are not independently adjustable -- you have to find a compromise.

Do a search here on the subject. There's lots of good info.

Jeff Pierce
jpierce@mpbc.org

I think the Bowden cable adjusts the timing or the rpm point that the transmission shifts (upshifts or downshifts), not the harshness or softness.

From my experience, Suginami is correct. It is the the vacuum modulator that controls the aburptness (firmness) of a shift.

If the shift is hard but seems well timed, its the Vac Mod. If the transmission shifts too early it is probalby the cable adjustment. Be sure the Vac Mod is not malfunctioning, that it has its vacuum line going to it, the rubber tube connector is not brittle or cracked: Check to see it will hold a vacuum.

When was the last time the trans was serviced with the proper filter AND all of the ATF was drained including the torque converter? Have you checked the ATF level (engine running) when hot after driving at least 20 mins. Or cold (and running) where the ATF is 10mm below the lower mark?

If an engine is not running properly and has low power, one can often think the problem is with the trans or its adjustment.

BTW, I just did the trans service on my 190e last weekend and used Mobil1 Syn ATF and I really like the results. Expensive ATF but seems to work well. 190e trans are not suppose to go 230K miles from what I have read.

Haasman

Shift firmness is control by the vacuum modulator on all 722.3, 4 and 5 transmissions. Identifying the transmission is simple; the oil pan has 6 bolts. The modulator is located on the passage side of the transmission; the proper way to adjust it is with a pressure gauge. Turning the T handle CCW will lower pressure CW will raise pressure. The modulator adjusting T handle has a rubber protective cap over it; it is more then just a cover, it is part of the vacuum system , the cap leak vacuum because it cracks, if it does the shifts may be harsh and erratic. If the modulator can not hold vacuum check the cap first before you condemn the modulator; the part # is 126 277 00 81