Very likely a stuck kickdown switch -- I was talking to Hans last week and a customer called in with the exact same complaint. It WILL upshift if this is the problem, but only near redline!

Easy to check, just reach up under the gas pedal and push the switch down. If should click when depressed, and click again when releases, If it doesn't, pull the carpet and check for crud holding it down.

If it still won't click, replace switch.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!