Weak Reverse and tranny other issues...
 

Our 95 E320 has a weak reverse, it needs quite some rev's to get it moving (in reverse sometimes if it gets in a deep pothole it wont even move), in drive it would shift at 2300 RPM only (did some adjustment to the vaccume and got 100 rpm higher shifting point) what am i looking here, tranny rebuild, some valve replacements, NEW TRANNY :eek:?!?!? Help out here i am running out of options...

I'd start by dropping the pan.

Look in the pan for anything other than fluid. If parts, you need repairs. If silt, you have severely worn friction band or clutch surfaces and will likely need to rebuild. If nothing, it might be the front pump which a transmission shop can check by running pressure tests.

The working pressure can be adjusted with the modulator on the side of the transmission (search "modulator") and will firm up shifts (clockwise) if the pump is putting out enough pressure/volume.

You might get lucky (if the friction surfaces are not too worn) also by rebuilding the valve body (which can be done without removing the transmission from the car).

Most diagnosis starts with fluid levels and condition, pan contents, and pressure tests.

If the car has had a recent "flush" of the transmission fluid, this is a normal way for it to die.

My trans was slippn in reverse then it just locked up I replaced trans with use one its slippn to in reverse but not locked up yet do you think its the trans or switch or something dont want to keep replacing trans and it could be some adjustment to be made

Weak reverse
 

In our 1989 190e 2.6 (similar transmission?) that was the first sign of needing a rebuild. A spring bracket had fractured, allowing the reverse clutches to be always partly engaged, thus wearing out the clutches. New bracket and springs, gasket, seal and clutch plate set, and away we go again.

Andrew
1989 190e 2.6

I have just finished getting a replacement transmission in this morning. Same problem - no reverse however all forwards were good.
I looked at just getting the reverse piston repaired however after removing my transmission oil pan I saw that there was a fair amount of ground up fine material in the pan and filter.
Didn't screw around. Changed out the transmission - took 4 hours. Found a great condition alternative transmission with 75K miles on it.

Here is a foto of the filter. You can see the residue on it. If your filter looks like this - don't hesitate - get another transmission or a rebuild.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/...62884da8_o.jpg

My experience & forum observations have been that the 722.3 - 5 (nonelectronic) trans. are not very reliable, and are prone for failure once the reverse gear starts acting up. Replacing w/ a used trans. will just invariably end up w/ a failed trans. Rebuilding seems to be the only way to avoid buying a used headache, and getting peace of mind. Finding a good/competent trans. mechanic is the trick. Just my thoughts . . .

Worn B3 clutches (reverse), common internal problem in 722.3 transmissions

You could have fooled me, I was thinking they're about the longing lasting automatic transmission ever made, 2 or 3 times the life of their successors. With even minimal maintenance and respect they commonly go 200 to 300k miles.

Check the forward pump A1402700097 it has been updated several times and the piston for the reverse speed A1262720931. It's just behind the pump.

mine is 722.361
 

the reverse it very weak as yours was. i heard something about a band adjustment was wasn't sure if that works on a 722.361 seth