1984 190E--Should I replace the modulator?
 

I am waiting for the CD-ROM to show up for my car. In the meantime, I want to ask this question here. Im sure someone will be able to assist me.

My 4-speed tranny starts out in 2nd gear, does a smooth shift into 3rd, and a FAST harsh shift into 4th. If I manually shift to the '2' range and stop, it will start out in 1st. When I shift it to '3,' it will shift to 2nd gear, and quickly shift to 3rd... and so on.

There is vacuum at the modulator line end of the hose.

Here's the question, Do you think my modulator is defective?

I know they dont last forever, and in Fords that I have owned, and still own, modulator replacements are common and easy to do.

The tranny has a 2 second delay before it shifts into either drive or reverse. I have drained the tranny and torque converter, and refilled with fresh fluid. It made no difference.

I am really loving driving this car. It is definitely a keeper.

Bruce

Ok. Its a done thing.
 

Since I got no replies on this topic, I figured that I probably answered my own question.

Went to my local dealer and bought the modulator, only because it was in stock there.

Lowered the transmission somewhat, and finally got the 2 allen bolts to release their death grip to the tranny, and replaced the modulator. Also, found that this was the cause of the small fluid leak too. 'O' rings were flat and hardened.

Got it all back together, and test-drove it. What a difference!

No more harsh shifts. No more slow engagement. And best of all, no more leak. I cleaned all around the modulator box before I did anything.

Its been running since Friday AM, and it is doing fine.

Bruce

PS: I got the CD-ROM. MANY questions are now answered. Hopefully now, I can start helping others with a 190E like I have been helped by you guys.

good to see it all worked out welll .. btw how much did the modulator and 'o' rings cost ?
wat side is the modulator same as intake or exhaust side ?
is modulator adjustable ?
does trans have to be lowered to get access ?
chheers

Which CD rom did you get? How much? Is it any good?

It was $39 at the dealer. The 'O' rings were included. It has a green body on it.

Tranny had to be lowered a bit and pushed over to make room. The modulator is on the intake side of the tranny.

The CD-ROM came from mercedesmanuals.com. Mine is the W-201 CD. It has no info on the transmission, though, which is not a problem, as I dont really want to tear down a transmission anyway.

Thanks for your comments.

Bruce