transmission didn't engage and then did

[dennish]

Started my car(190E 2.6) and the automatic transmission wouldn't engage. After moving the selector through the gears, I got the car to creep in drive although it slipped badly. It suddenly grabbed and I drove home. Car drove and shifted normally as it does now. Fluid is clean and full. Is this a fluke or transient issue or is my tranny on it's way out? Any thoughts. I really don't want to get stranded. Thanks. Transmission has 196K on it.

[stormyc88]

I assume that's 196K with no rebuilds? If so, might be time for a precautionary rebuild, especially if its your daily driver. I'm not a tranny expert, but I've heard on this forum and other places that these transmissions tend to start screwing up around this mileage. Apparently the typical failure is the loss of reverse. I had mine fully rebuilt when it started leaking at 150K, no problems since, and 237K presently on it. Cost was $1800 maybe, and well worth it.