W126 AMG tranny question
 

I have a 1980 500SE with the basic 5.0l AMG engine and a Gleason rear diff of unknown ratio (one of these days I'll have to find the dumb thing but 25 years or grime make it no easy task) and a stock tranny from something. The previous owner seemed to have no idea this car was an AMG so she slapped in a used tranny a couple of years ago and all the paperwork says is W126 tranny. Anyway, it is generally fine but under heavy acceleration (not max) the thing will up shift WAY too early, especially into 3rd. And I mean WAY too early, like at about 1/2 the speed i would manually do it. So my question is- is it a problem in the tranny itself or is it a conflict with the rear diff ratio that is causing this. Thanks.

John

'80 500 SE AMG
'80 300 SD

Under full throttle the kick-down solenoid should keep the trans in gear up to REDLINE & then shift into the next gear.

With the engine running & the kick-down switch depressed does the solenoid get battery voltage?

The kick down switch works, the trouble is that it upshifts too soon when I'm not at full throttle. Is there something I can adjust? I know there is a linkage on my SD that can be adjusted to delay or bring forward the upshifts is the same thing on the gas models? Thanks.

John

'80 500 SE AMG
'80 300 SD

There are two different kick down shift strategies, part throttle, no kick down solenoid activation, full throttle kick down, with the kick down solenoid activated. In Both strategies the pressure control valve,( Bowden cable )moves. AJUST the Bowden cable, make it tighter, no slack in the cable. The Bowden cable with the plastic adjustment nut have been know the lose its adjustment, if you car has it be aware.