Hi,

New to this forum. Looks very informative. I have a 86 420SEL. 90,000 miles. Just picked up car a few weeks ago. Trans was fine then. Now transmission slips 1-2 shift under very light throttle. Worse cold. Also delayed shift to R and D. Any ideas? Was going to service transmission. Any ideas on fluid type. Was considering Amsoil synthetic fluid. Is there anything else I should look for, like an adjustment?

Thanks,

Joe

The transmission in your car, 722.324 should start in 2nd gear. I would first check the fluid level, if clean with no burnt smell; service the transmission which includes changing the filter and draining the torque converter. For now use dextron fluid it’s less expensive, then turn the T handle on the modulator 3truns CW. Drive the car if it still slips you must verify working pressure with a gauge.

My 420SEL, same vintage, has 185000 miles, and has a flare on what I'm taking to be the 2-3 shift, only on light throttle. Where is the t-handle on the modulator? My main issue is an ATF leak, which leaves a nasty smell on the hot exhaust occasionally. It's only leaving a small spot on the driveway.

__________________
2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

The modulator is on the drives side middle of the transmission. plastic, green in color, remove the black rubber cover cap, behind it you will find the steel T handle pull it out enough to turn it CW. make sure the T seats between the opening on the modulator,intall the rubber cap.



To fix a 2nd to 3rd Flare up shift install the K1 spring kit


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/163509-i-just-cant-fix-right-post1270679.html?highlight=Spring+kit#post1270679

I changed the fluid and filter in my '86 420 last spring, after noticing the occasional flare on upshift; haven't had another glitch since. Try it; you might get lucky. Can't hurt unless you do somethig wrong, of course!

My more immediate issue is with window windows and regulators falling apart...2 on the 420, 2 on the 2002 Jeep, of all things. Winter is coming and I'm tired of my better half *****ing about windows not staying up.

__________________
2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

I was shocked (simply shocked) to be asked $260 for a window regulator at the parts counter of the local Jeep dealer. I looked on the 'net and found a dealer selling parts on-line: factory list for the part was $100, their price = $60 plus $4 shipping. It pays to look. I repaired one regulator in my 420: there is a plastic piece that slides in an aluminum extrusion to raise and lower the window, and this part will be found broken often. It is available; you might need to smooth the surfaces of the extrusion if there has been metal-metal contact after the plastic broke. Now all is well with my windows; don't panic. The motors etc. seem to be well-made, but the switch could be dirty, wiring broken, etc. Sometimes POs spill liquids into the console and switches suffer. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. Will try this weekend and report back the results

Joe

Why? Service the unit on a regular basis and you'll have no issues. I've put over 70k on my MBs alone with garden variety DexIII.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

I tend to agree with this in general, however since I'm only in there every 30K or so I go ahead and use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

When hot, my transmission has a slight delay going into reverse and when it does, it engages very harshly. I rarely have to use reverse though and in the spot that I normally do, I can pull up, place the car in neutral and start to coast back, then shift into reverse as I am rolling back, so it engages more easily.

As far as shifting goes, my transmission still shifts perfectly, despite 268K. Shifts are firm when cold, but after it warms up, it smooths out - the shifts are softer, but no slippage. I guess I am lucky... so far.

Good luck to you.

Thanks for all the advice. Completed transmission service. No noticeable difference. Did not adjust the accumulator yet. The good news is that there was no metal or clutch material in the bottom of the pan. The fluid is not burnt.

Is it normal for the shift to drive to be slow - approx 2 -3 seconds and then a bit harsh. Reverse shifts faster and smoother.

Joe