tranny problems on my '83 300CD
 

I've had several problems with my transmission.... in the morning I get normal shifting... but after it warms up... and has been on the road a while.....I'll get a downshift from 3 to 2 and then 2 to 1 at 65 mph.... I have to drop in into neutral and then shift back to 'D' and then it catches and drops back into 3rd.... there doesn't seem to be a pattern to it.... it can do it at low speeds or high...
sometimes it won't shift from 2 to 3 until I drop it into neutral and then ease it back into 'D'.... I'm assuming some sort of vacuum leak but haven't noticed anyone else having this particular problem.....

Please help with any advice.....

Thanks!!!

The number one cause of a UN commanded down shifts, is a defective kick down solenoid. The key here is the transmission is dropping down two gears; I would start by changing the KD solenoid. It usually has a mechanical failure.