Have a 76 450sel with automatic transmission which has reverse problems. When cold and in reverse it sits there for perhaps 7 seconds before responding and backing up. When warmed up it operates normally except when under a load, say backing up an incline. Then it tends to chatter. Is the reverse system connected with any other of the gears i.e. am I going to have trouble in any of the other gears. A trans man says the fluid does not smell bad. Any ideas on what is wrong? Is it out of the question to try and fix it myself? The only man recommended around here (N.W. Arkansas) doesn't want to do it and a guy who will do it I wonder if I want him to do it. Milterino.

Well, it's one thing, or it's another. You have a 50-50 chance of fixing it with a pair of wrenches and a few minutes time crawling under the car.

On the passenger side of the transmission is a square head'd bolt that is locked down on the side of the tranny with a conventional nut.

Loosen the nut, then tighten the square headed bolt one turn and retighten the lock nut.

If that has made the symptoms better, then adjust it a bit more. Do the adjustment in these little stages, lest you over tighten the bolt. There is a formal torque spec to use, but I don't have it handy.

That bolt controls the band adjustment. If the adjustment doesn't work, then that band is fried.

Used these transmissions sell for 200$-400$ each. They show up on ebay from time to time. I've got at least two laying about.

Good luck with yours.


-CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

Charlie, ya got any 1977 or 1978 240D tranny's laying around? I sure need one.

Thanks for your replay ctm. On checking my tranny on the passengers side I don't find any sign of what might be a square bolt secured by a nut. The tranny number which is stamped into the aluminum valve housing on the passenger side is 116 270 1301 72591. This is just above where the drain pan is attached. The only thing over there which seems like it might be adjustable is a hex bolt set at an unusual angle. On the drivers side are a couple of set screws set in the valve body, one about 1/2" diam. and the other about 1 1/4" diam.This car was bought in aug of 1976 if that means anything. Anyway, thanks for the procedure description, when I find out what is what it will probably be helpful.