tranee doesnt know what R means
 

my 83' 300D has a transmission with a mind of its own.. from any gear, when you go to put it in reverse, it acts like it has to think what "R" means.. it normally takes about 4 seconds to shift, after the shift selector has been moved. as i sit there, ready to back into a parking spot, people are starting to look at me like i dont know how to drive.. please help!

It sounds to me like you have low transmission oil pressure. Have you checked to transmission fluid level?

Tim

It goes like this....I think....
 

D = Drag
S = Surge
L = Lunge
R = Race
P = Pitt

SB:D

i believe this is typical for the vintage and due to leaky seals around the clutch pack. takes it some time to fill up and apply pressure to the clutch in order to engage the gear. Only a rebuild can correct this.

"...ahh yes, L for leave!"

Fantastic movie! anybody know it?
it has significance to our forum, sort of...

I have had trannys that took a while due to a pluged tranny filter. It takes a while to suck fluid

Generally thats a sign of wear on the trans. Mine did the same thing and the rebuild does not. Live with it, or shell out some $ for a new trans. It's not going to break suddenly, I would live with it.

You did not mention any kind of service being done/checked. Filter/fluid change? Level checked, etc. Additives are usually not recommended, in many cases, but this is where myself and from what I've read, many others, swear by Transx. (I know it has helped with trannys of mine in the past.) It's worth a try.

Mine has taken 2-3 seconds (usually 2) to engage reverse since I have owned the car, and remained the same after the dealer replaced all the internal seals. However, it engages drive almost instantly, 1 second or less. Our '83 takes 3-4 seconds to engage either, but shifts flawlessly and solid. Who knows. :confused: Its because they all have their own personalities. :D ;)

Our 300D engages reverse and drive within 1 second, its quick! :eek:

Its because the 300SD is more like a large tanker ship, takes a while to change from reverse to forward....while a 300D is more like a speed boat, it can do it nice and quick. :D :D ;)