My Car Won't Shift! What the...????? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

slk230red · #1 08-21-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hershey

Ok.....

I've finally got my '91 190E 2.6 back together after changing the transmission modulator and the neutral safety switch. I went to take it for a test drive around the block to see if I had adjusted the transmission modulator correctly. I pulled off smoothly, however, my car wouldn't shift to the next gear. After going around the block, I searched on through a few forums (including this one) for the source of my problems and found that it was most probably my Bowden cable. Just to make sure, instead of try to adjust it, I disconnected it and took off around the block again expecting it to shift rather quickly. To my surprise, it refused to shift again!

I came back home, lubricated the cable thinking that it may be stuck. Went back out.....same thing!!!

I'm at wit's end! I don't know where to look (aside from the general area of the transmission) or even where to start looking. Could someone please help me out or at least point me in the right direction. For info's sake, I did change the fluid and filter. Also, the car will go in reverse (not sure if that helps at all). Any help at all will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

I wish I had a simple answer, but all I can advise is going back over the basics.

1. Did you install the correct Vacuum Modulator for your car, mine is GREEN, I think yours should be RED.

2. Is the vacuum hose going to the Vacuum Modulator connected and not leaking.

3. If you do have the correct VM installed, it might need adjusting.

Hershey · #2 08-21-2008, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slk230red

I wish I had a simple answer, but all I can advise is going back over the basics.

1. Did you install the correct Vacuum Modulator for your car, mine is GREEN, I think yours should be RED.

2. Is the vacuum hose going to the Vacuum Modulator connected and not leaking.

3. If you do have the correct VM installed, it might need adjusting.

1. I did install a red one. I'm sure that is the one for my car.

2. I put a brand new hose and rubber connectors on each end.

3. I need to adjust the VM. However, I was under the impression that the VM controled the degree of the shift (hard or soft) whereas the Bowden cable controled the shift points. Am I wrong?

slk230red · #3 08-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hershey

1. I did install a red one. I'm sure that is the one for my car.

2. I put a brand new hose and rubber connectors on each end.

3. I need to adjust the VM. However, I was under the impression that the VM controled the degree of the shift (hard or soft) whereas the Bowden cable controled the shift points. Am I wrong?

Just curious, did it shift with the old VM? If the vacuum line is disconnected, it won't shift. At least that's what happened once on my 240D. The vacuum line became disconnected, I looked under the hood, found it and cut off the split end, plugged it back in and no more problems.

Maybe someone else will add some opinions.

Oracle12345 · #4 08-21-2008, 07:38 PM

Was it workin prior to changing out the parts?

Hershey · #5 08-22-2008, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle12345

Was it workin prior to changing out the parts?

Everything was working before I changed out the parts.

The original problem was the transmission modulator. It was allowing tranny fluid to be sucked up into the intake. Because of this, my car was bellowing out thick white smoke. I had originally thought it was a blown head gasket. So I had the head tested and leveled and replaced the gasket myself (along with various other small things that I've been meaning to get to for a while).

Started the car up and let it run for only a few minutes. That was all it took to turn my neighborhood into a scene from the movie "The Fog". Did Some more research and that's when I found out that it was my modulator. I changed it (along with the neutral safety switch) and here I am.

I did a search, however, I couldn't find anyone who has had my problem.

I took out, cleaned, tested and replaced the kickdown switch. So, I know that's one I can scratch off of the list.

I'll double check the vacuum line again alond with trying to find out more about the "gov plastic driven gear" that you mentioned.

Again, I'd like to thank everyone for their help and advice!