Here's what's going on with my 300e trans recently: in the cold canadian mornings the trans takes 15 seconds to engage in drive / rev. then itstruggles to get going, but eventually it starts moving ok..but until the thing is fully warmed the shifts (esp. 2 to 3) are hesitant, bucking somewhat as though undecided wether it wants to be in 2nd or 3rd....when it's finally at normal temp...it's pretty much normal.

To make it worse the other day at full hwy speed the the trans sfifted down from D into 3, on it's own...I had stop, check / add ATF and after this, all was well(ish) after that...I have seen no evidence of leaks under the car. What is failing in this thing?

HELP!

Hello Ottobun,

My E420 with the venerable 722.366 exhibits many of the same issues when very cold outside.

Personal hypothesis is that the aging transmission pump works harder on viscous cold fluid and cannot maintain flow. Once the transmission reaches operating temperature, the fluid has warmed up to the point where it's no challenge.

Have you reached the phase where it free-wheels between 2nd and 3rd even when warmed up? How about engaging full throttle with accompanying engine speed but crawling like a snail? The readership will keep me honest, but nine times out of ten that can be traced back to worn clutches.

I temporarily resolved most of the morning blahs by performing two simple steps:

1) Adjust the vacuum modulator and bowden cable for lower pressure / softer shifts
2) Mandatory five-minute warmup in the parking space when the temperature falls below freezing.

(Before someone in the audience throws rotten fruit on #2 - yes, I know already and yes, I do regularly clean the engine)

The best solution - and the one I have planned to do early this year - is a complete rebuild, or (even better) a factory-rebuilt unit. While the 300E is not a torque monster, I am willing to bet that daily wear and tear have taken a toll on the soft components (clutches, seals, etc.).

Total cost for a rebuild in my area is approximately $3000USD. It's not much when you consider the amortized cost over the next x number of years/miles you intend to keep the car.

Best of luck,
-DM

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1995 E420 SE black/black
2004 Volvo V70R AWD