Once in a blue moon I will start my car and begin to drive. When I first start accellerating in first gear my rpms will shoot up, and it almost feels like the transmission has downshifted, although it hasn't because the car is in first gear. When this happens I stop, put the car in park, then put it back in drive and start over. After that it always behaves normally. This has only happened a few times over the past year, and it only has happened when the car has been cold. Any ideas what this could be?

__________________
2006 E320CDI- current dd
1999 E300TD - retired
Wilmington, NC USA

have you checked the fluid level?

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I'd check the fluid level. And also check the gromets on the shifter linkage. You can get funny issues when the gromets fall out or go bad because the trans isn't being put all the way into gear.

__________________

Mine (99 E300) has the exact same issue and only in the cold below 30 degrees. Knew another guy who got his fluid changed and that fixed it. It may have been that his fluid was low but if you've gone 60k miles it might be worth it to change it. I'm going to spend the $200 on the fluid change to see if that works.

Didn't know about the grommets but that could be a problem. I thought this car had an electronic shift though.

__________________
Andy, North Jersey
1999 E300 TurboDiesel 116k miles

the fluid and filter was changed about 18k miles ago and is at the appropriate level. Where are the grommets located?

__________________
2006 E320CDI- current dd
1999 E300TD - retired
Wilmington, NC USA

Assuming it has the gromets, I'm not familiar with your model, they will be on the shift linkage under the car that goes from the shifter to the trans. If it's electronic like stated above you probably won't have any gromets.

__________________

Its electronic and has shifter linkage bushings that wear. PNRD are manual, thereafter its electronic.

I'd check fluid level. It does hold 1st and 2nd longer in the cold in an attempt to reach operating temp faster too.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

TMAllison, I didn't quite understand what you said about "PNRD are manual, therefore its electronic." Can you elaborate?

__________________
2006 E320CDI- current dd
1999 E300TD - retired
Wilmington, NC USA