1984 300D Transmission flares at fourth gear - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bruce Bonds · #1 08-29-2010, 03:21 PM

I have had no previous trouble with the transmission. Now it flares instead of shifting into fourth gear. I have to move the shift lever down a notch to keep the car moving. If I move the shift lever back up to "D", it flares again. All other functions are OK. The fluid level is correct. However, it is overdue for a fluid/filter change. What are the chances that fresh fluid and filter will solve this? Is there anything else to look for?

Thanks,

vstech · #2 09-01-2010, 12:16 AM

when you pull the pan to change the filter, look for debris... be serious looking in the pan for chunks. fine fiber residue is ok, metal shavings or chunks are a bad sign.

Bruce Bonds · #3 09-15-2010, 11:09 PM

I changed the fluid and filter. Everything looked good. No strange odors or colors. Pan was clean; no metal particles. Still no fourth gear.

As I said before, there were no previous problems with the transmission. Shifts 1-2-3 are all fine. Just will not shift into fourth and flares until I down-shift manually. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

vstech · #4 09-15-2010, 11:23 PM

search superior shift kit.
and K1 k2 spring kits.
call Roy and ask his advice... he's on the road last I checked, but he left his cell phone # on VM if he is!
it could be a simple vacuum adjustment or modulator adjustment. because usually when you shift into 4th, you have lifted your foot a bit as you have achieved the speed you were hunting, and the vacuum pressure may need to be lessened for that throttle position.

Bruce Bonds · #5 10-17-2010, 07:00 PM

When I changed the fluid and filter, I used one quart of Trans-X. After reading more posts on the subject, I slowly drained a quart and replaced it with another quart of Trans-X. After the test drive, I am happy to report that the transmission shifts through all gears without flaring or harsh shifting. Special thanks to Leathermang for the suggestion.