perfect! i got it. one more question and everything should be all set: how do I access the vacuum modulator? is it easily accessible? do I look under the hood or under the car? I see the picture, but unfortunately i dont understand how i would get to the modulator to reconnect the hose.

Under the car.
It is mounted on the driver side of the transmission.

ok, i was under there not too long ago with a flashlight, but couldnt identify it? is it before the transmission filter box? or do i need to take anything out of the way? just did a search on here and google for any real photo of it, but cant get one

picture attached.

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Oh yes! I did see something red from under the car. it was dark outside, but I'm sure that was it. It was on the side of the transmission. I will try to take care of it tomorrow morning. Will keep the thread updated. Hey thanks for your help and patience whunter!

Ok, so I reconnected the vacuum line back to the modulator, but I am still having the same problem. Any new suggestions?

Transmission:
Transmission:

Thanks again, whunter. I will go back out and try to maybe adjust the modulator by turning it (I think I read that in one of the links that you posted).

Ok, reporting back. still having the issue. How hard is it to remove the vacuum modulator? As I was reconnecting the vac line it was really difficult to get to it...I actually had to sort of threat it through to the rubber connector because I couldn't physically access it with my hands. Could it be something other than the transmission that is causing tthis problem?

I'll add my Vacuum Modulator experience. I purchased my '93 190E 2.3 new and it always shifted hard from first to second gear. I replaced the VM when the VM started leaking transmission fluid through the vacuum line. The transmission never shifted better and so smooth... it still does.
To replace the VM, I had to disconnect the exhaust system hangers so I could lower the transmission enough to gain access to the VM bolts.
Also, this would be a good time to replace the shifter bushings while the transmission is lowered.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

Lowering the transmission??? Not that seems a bit out of my league unfortunately. Can't I change the modulator without lowering the transmission? What if it isn't the modulator? Oh and by the way, I had my shift bushings changed last year, that I do remember. ...Working on people is a lot easier, I wish I could just do an engine biopsy and find out what the problem is.

I tried to remove and install the Vacuum Modulator by just lowering the transmission with the cross support removed and could not do it.
Fellow forum member MTI posted that I had to remove the exhaust/cat. hangers in order to lower the transmission enough to gain access to the VM bolts.
If this old retiree can do it, anyone can.

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1993 190E 2.3
2001 SLK230
1971 LS5 (454) Corvette Convertible

Hey quick question guys: I have not had a chance to get a new vac mod yet, is there any harm in driving the car while the modualtor is out of commission?

Not to hijack (which is what I'm doing), but how can I get my gasser to stop lurching into gear from P/N (both forward or reverse)? There seems to be a bit of extra play in the pedal to get it moving from a dead stop, but after that it seems to run/shift just fine.

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A.S.E Tech A1,A6,A7,A8 & MVAC 609 + EPA 608

Unless stated otherwise, any question I ask is about my greymarket 1985 380SEL.

My issue with my modulator has been resolved. It resolved itself and I didn't have to replace it after all.

dhjenkins- you might try the little knob under the gas pedal...that controls the idle speed....well at least thats what the issue was on my 190E. Had it turned too much which caused me to have a high idle and everytime I changed from P to D or R it would lurch forward a bit. Hope that helps.