W124 auto tranny question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 05-09-2006, 01:32 AM

This morning when I drove my 1989 300TE the tranny did something weird.

First it took a longer than usual pause before it shifted into reverse.

Then, as I was pulling out, the car, for lack of a better description, seemed to stutter, as if I was driving over rough pavement. As soon as the engine warmed up (w/in a minute or so) the stuttering ended and the car ran just fine. Good strong, smooth shifts 9as usual).

In the evening, when I started to drive home the wagon did the same thing. It stuttered until it warmed up. Then it shifted just fine.

After I got home I decided to test the car. After it cooled down enough I went for a short drive around the neighborhood. It also stuttered when cold. I then stopped the car, shifted into low and started from Low gear (with the engine still cold). No stutter as I "manually" shifted from Low to Drive.

I am going out of town for a few days and when I return I will take the car to Enrique.

In the meantime, are there any suggestions as to what the problem may be (keeping in mind that it does it only while the engine is cold). Is this the precurssor to bigger and more sinister problems? Or just a simple little adjustment?

Thanks in advance for your input.

BENZ-LGB · #2 05-09-2006, 01:03 PM

Anyone?

Anyone??

Anyone???

BENZ-LGB · #3 05-09-2006, 05:05 PM

No one ???

Hirnbeiss · #4 05-10-2006, 09:14 AM

There is a vacuum controller on the tranny which regulates shift speed.

The stutter doesn't sound like a transmission problem, but an engine problem. Poor running at idle could be caused by (and can also cause) poor vacuum, which can then produce shifting problems.

I would look at the engine side first: idle/fuel/air circuit. Is it lighting the check engine light?

BENZ-LGB · #5 05-22-2006, 11:17 PM

When people say look for the obvious first, it is really true.

The tranny was low on fluid. Apparently a seal was bad and it leaked fluid, but only while driving (thus explaining the lack of fluid on the driveway).

Enrique is taking care of the seal and replacing worn out flex disks.

I read a thread on flex disk replacement; seems like it would be a good idea to check them on a regular basis, especially in high mileage cars.

A flex disk failure, especially at highway speed can have very bad consequences.

Battlecat714 · #6 05-22-2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

When people say look for the obvious first, it is really true.

The tranny was low on fluid. Apparently a seal was bad and it leaked fluid, but only while driving (thus explaining the lack of fluid on the driveway).

Enrique is taking care of the seal and replacing worn out flex disks.

I read a thread on flex disk replacement; seems like it would be a good idea to check them on a regular basis, especially in high mileage cars.

A flex disk failure, especially at highway speed can have very bad consequences.

your transmission itself might need a tune up, how many miles does your car have?

BENZ-LGB · #7 05-22-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battlecat714

your transmission itself might need a tune up, how many miles does your car have?

195k and counting.

I asked Enrique to change fluid, filter, seal, whatever else. As long as he is "in" there.

Prior to this problem, however, the tranny shifted strong and smoothly. But a little PM never hurts.