1991 300E Gears not shifting

[shantibala]

Hey Guys,

I have a little problem. I was driving my car today, and the gears were not shifting from gear 2 to gear 3. the max speed i could drive was 25-30mph, and it would rev high and still no shifting of gears.

What could be the problem? Any ideas?

[sptt]

Definitely not a little problem. I'm sure all will ask about last AT Fluid change first.

[shantibala]

Hey guys,

i took the car out to drive and push the rpm. It is shifting fine up to 45-50mph, but anything above that i feel like the engine is slowing itself down if the RPM is getting higher..

[shantibala]

The AT fluid was practically empty when i checked, and then i filled it up to the MAX line..

[sptt]

Maybe try some Trans X fluid added to it. Wonder why it was so low...seeing any leaks?

[pawoSD]

Could be sucking fluid into the engine through a failed modulator. Any exhaust smoke?

[shantibala]

So i was worried and i took it down to a local mechanics shop. He had a haunch that it would be the tranny filter. Sure enough he opened it to tell me that this filter had never been changed. Changed up the filter and poured new tranny fluid in.. car runs amazing!

[sptt]

I have a '91 300E as well. I bet mine has never been changed either (188K). I'm afraid to change it from reading some of the threads. Did you also notice any difference in less noise or whinning when accelerating or driving? Did he also drain the torque converter?

Steve

[mak]

draining the torque converter is vital when doing a ATf and filter change .The old oil will certainly contaminate the fresh ATF .
mak

[Ferdman]

shantibala, recommend checking the transmission fluid level with your 1991 300E at operating temperature to be sure it is not overfilled. The car should be on a level surface, engine running and transmission in Park. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, then reinsert and remove to check the level. Too much transmission fluid is as bad as too little.