Tranny slips 2nd -3rd

My 91 190E 2.3 transmission slips going from 2nd gear to 3rd. This is really noticeable when merging on to the freeway.Fluid level is correct and fluid doesn't smell burnt. I'm at my wits end.

What are the other upshifts like and what are the downshifts like?

If the other shifts are also sloppy then you might be able to alter the modulator pressure to tighten up all the shifts, this will affect both up and down shifts on all gears so unless they are all this way it won't be of much help.

The 2-3 shift is the most used shift generally and therefore the clutches and bands get the most wear.

Matt.

Hey, Mattman. Thanks for getting back to me so fast. All the other gears work fine, up or downshifting. I've talked to a few 190 owners and they said most MBZ's with automatic transmissions inheritably have this problem. Please tell me they are wrong!

You don't say how many miles you have however 100k ish would be about right.

[mplafleur]

My tranny does the same, but is ok once the temp comes up. Is it getting too much vacuum when cold? I too a glance and did not see the modulator cap on the side. Is there a temp switch on the head somewhere used for modulating the transmission? This is on my 190D 2.5.

[esm6869]

I've been wrestling with the 2-3 flaring for over a year on my 300E. According to Gilly, there is a little known repair kit for this problem known as a K1 accumulator kit. It costs all of $2.71 from MB. I don't know the part number for your trans, but the one for mine was 126-270-44-77. Esentially, its a spring kit. I haven't put it in yet (waiting for the Rover to get out of the repair shop). For less than three dollars, its worth a try. There is also some literature out there that points to the B2 reaction valve. Do a search on trans flaring and you may come across it.

[joe p]

If you do the k2 kit KEEP THE OLD STUFF!!!!!

Otherwise, when you rebuild, you'll be sorry.

Reinstall the original spring kit when overhauling.

Otherwise it works.


Joe

If you have hard downshifts and minor flaring on the other shifts this kit won't fix the problem.

Matt.

[mhingram]

I have a hard 2 to 3rd shift and a flare on the 3rd to 4th shift only when the car is cold once she is at operating temp it goes away. 1991 560sel anyone tried the K1 kit for this. thanks
m

[tower]

My E320 (95) is doing the same thing. Does it require transmission r&r or can the shift kit be installed in place without removing the transmission?

The other shift changes are normal. Other 190E owners have told me that MBZ automatic transmissions leave a lot to be desired. Tell me they are wrong!!

I think that the K-1 accumulator kit sounds like a good start. Has anyone out there installed one? What is a B-2 Reaction Valve? It sure helps to have all this knowledge out there. If this knowledge doesn't work, would Tank send his transmission fairy to California?

[esm6869]

I am supposed to receive the spring kit today from MB. It should be installed next week, I'll let you know if the $2.26 kit cured a over a year of aggravation.

The B-2 Reaction Valve is the brake on cultch plate prior to the shift ( I think). I'm no mechanic but I have looked deep into this problem over the year. If $2.26 fixes the problem, I'll be very pleased and very p!$$ed off over all the money I have put into a vacuum module, 4 flush and fills, several vists for cable adjustments, dropping the pan and filter exchange... But its the brightest trans fluid I have ever seen!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, esm6869. Hope it works. Good luck!

[pentoman]

Originally posted by flowdrip
The other shift changes are normal. Other 190E owners have told me that MBZ automatic transmissions leave a lot to be desired. Tell me they are wrong!!

Well, it's hard to say. They are a very very good autobox, in their day these were called by far the best automatics around. BUT, they are not bulletproof, and as the cars get old and more worn, they tend to be one of the first big things to go.

later