124 230 auto problem - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 02-25-2003, 05:48 AM

I have a 124 230te which does not want to change up unless you lift off the throttle! the change then is smooth and it appears to find all gears , even if you accelerate lightly it jsut stays in its existing gear untill you take your foot off the throttle.
Oil level is OK the oil appears clean and no burnt smell
any thoughts?

Des

haasman · #2 02-25-2003, 09:42 AM

Des

-When was the transmission serviced last? Was a Mercedes filter used?

-Have you checked your ATF level?

-The vacuum modulator valve diaphram could be leaking.

-The vacuum line to it could be leaking.

Haasman

#3 02-26-2003, 05:26 AM

Hi

I suspect in 115,000 miles very little servicing has been done ! probably the original oil and filter (if the state of the engine oil was anything to go by!!)

The ATF level seems OK, up to the line on idle and in park , smells OK (not burnt) though it appears a brown colour

I will check the vacuum line tonight ,

the kickdown works and it changed up, though I wasn't going to try it more than once!! apart from reving the nuts off an knackered engine

I have some mechanical sympathy left

There is a control cable between the throttle and gearbox, I feel it should have some play in it but the haynes manual does not explain it, (sounds surprised

)

thanks

Des

yal · #4 02-26-2003, 10:02 AM

I would change the ATF and filter promptly. Especially of you can't remember when it was changed last.

haasman · #5 02-26-2003, 11:45 AM

Des

The control cable, depending on its tension, determines shift timing. It should have a tiny bit of play. I adjust these by taking out any looseness and then giving it a slight amount.

Haasman

#6 02-27-2003, 06:29 PM

Thanks all,

checked it tonight, found one vacuum rubber connector split (easy fix), and control cable screwed up tight, slackened it off and gave it about 1mm of play, and now have smooooth change

all at the right places. I have ordered a filter and atf and will do that over the weekend.

now only one niggling problem, it stalls easily when going into forward or more so reverse, especially when turning the wheel (power steering pump working hard) I was hoping the adjustment of the control cable may help that but no such luck!

Des

haasman · #7 02-28-2003, 01:35 AM

Des

Glad to hear the trans is back in shape. It is amazing how the bowden cable adjustment can make a big difference.

The symptoms sound like an idle problem. Does your car have an electronic idle control? What RPMs does it idle at? Can you bump-up its setting a bit.

Haasman