86 420SEL will not shift when cold - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 02-04-2003, 09:19 AM

Tryinf looking closeley at your kick down cable......

stanmick63 · #2 02-04-2003, 10:07 AM

This car has about 199000 miles on it. I changed the tranny filter and it seem to make a problem a bit worst. I'd drive the car for about three miles and then It starts to shift normally. It seems to
be stuck in second gear during this time. Thank you folks for all the good advice.

stanmick63 · #3 02-05-2003, 11:24 AM

Kick down cable? Where is that located, sorry for the slow response. Crazy day at work.

haasman · #4 02-05-2003, 12:32 PM

I was wondering ... doesn't this car have a vacuum modulator on the left side of the trans?

If so, check tube connection at the modulator (especially the rubber tube that connects the two, and the modulator itself.

stanmick63 · #5 02-06-2003, 12:12 PM

Yes it does have a modulator with a rubber tube connected to it. So if this rubber tube is linking it would cause the car to shift incorrectly?

haasman · #6 02-06-2003, 01:32 PM

Definitely.

Someone else recently posted about replacing this $.05 three-four inch rubber connector tube and they said it was like they had a new transmission. If this leaks, you can ATF/filter change, synthetic AFT and adjust cables till the cows come home, but it will not make a real difference.

Check the full run of the plastic tube, from the engine to the trans, the rubber connector (oh BTW even if it *looks* OK, I'd just replace it while you are down there, and then the vacuum modulator valve.

Speaking of which, I had a 300D that I worked on for tons of hours, had several techs fiddle with etc. Finally replaced the vacuum modulator valve and WOW .... back to the way it was suppose to be.

Hope this helps, keep us informed.

Haasman