need transmission advise FAST - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

carlover · #1 08-25-2006, 10:07 PM

I just bought an '86 560SL with 62K miles on it. The owner was in her 70's and never drove it much so I doubt if this problem ever came up during her ownership.
When I really "stand on it ", it jumps back into 1st gear which would be fine except it tries to go into 1st at 55-60 mph. It goes into second and then into first, and if I hold it on the floor, it won't come out of first. It starts "bucking" like it is going in and out of gear. The normal shift pattern is fine. It goes through the gears perfectly. This is only a kick down issue. If I let off the gas slightly, or if I don't mash it hard against the floor, it seems to be o.k., except doing that means I'm not getting full acceleration. I assume that the kick down is electrical, and if thats true, I hope someone can tell me how to adjust it properly. I can see an electrical plug in the side of the tranny, but don't know if that's the kick down or not. I didn't see any mechanical linkage (other than the shifter) so I need some help with what to adjust. NO, I don't slam it against the floor often, but want to be able to do so without causing any damage. Any advise/help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Tom

Monomer · #2 08-25-2006, 10:39 PM

check your "kick down" cable

and that their's no carpeting/matts covering the switch.

carlover · #3 08-26-2006, 07:31 AM

Are you referring to the electrical cable going into the side of the tranny, and if so, what do you check ? I don't see any mechanical cable.

Larry Delor · #4 08-26-2006, 08:42 AM

I think he means the switch under the accellerator pedal.

carlover · #5 08-26-2006, 09:42 AM

There isn't anything like carpet between the accelorator and the switch, but it seems to me like that would cause it to engage sooner,but wouldn't cause it to fail to shift out of 1st in when in wide open throttle. Am I missing something here ? This is my first Merdcedes and I'm new to the forum, so I'm open to any suggestions.

david s poole · #6 08-26-2006, 12:22 PM

if you look behind the air cleaner you will see the accel linkage.look a little lower and you will see a cable coming from the trans[right or pass side] normally routed under the exhaust crossover pipe and attatched to an arm on the accel linkage[push on ball] if you find this and then follow it you will see a straight adjustable rod that connects via a push on ball at each end. this rod has a 8mm bolt head holding the adjustment.by making this rod longer you will stop the trans from holding the gears too long and of course the reverse is true.