I don't really know if that is a low enough fluid level to be the issue in and of itself. It wouldn't hurt to add some. I forget the fluid spec, I had the guy at NAPA x-ref it when I had this issue and he gave me a compatible fluid. If I had not been as close to being stranded as I was, I would have gone the extra mile down the road to get the MB fluid.

Now, let's suppose you had a clogged up filter. Perhaps the combination of a slightly low ATF level and a clogged up filter could create the symptoms you are describing.

Have you checked the vacuum line to the shift modulator? Maybe you have a crack in it that only opens up in certain situations. Doubt it, but worth a check.

Even though we have the same engine, I think our trannies are different. On mine, when the ATF got low, I started having problems starting from a stop especially on uphill situations. At first, I just got an extra clunk. It would take a split second to engage the tranny. It felt quite a bit like a shot motor mount, you know - that extra thud when you hit the gas. As it progressed (within a day), it got to where it felt as if gear teeth were shredding. A horrible sensation. It really did feel like gear teeth slipping. I expected the thing to fall apart going down the road.

Added a quart of ATF, and I have had nothing but smooth shifts ever since.


tp