Hi folks, I have a 1980 300td (that is, non-turbo) with a trans that won't shift up from second gear. I can't find any external reason for it.

I happen to have a 1982 240d automatic parts car.

Can anyone advise me: can I use the 240d trans for the 300td?

I looked in the Nitske book and the gear ratios are identical, so I am wondering if it's actually the same transmission.

Thanks

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Have you checked the kickdown switch and bowden cable for malfunctions. These are typical reasons why the transmission will not upshift. How many rpm's have you run it up to without shifting? Have you tried shifting it manually?

__________________
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

Hi Kerry, it's a non-turbo so I have no tachometer, but I have wound it up over 45 mph for sure. It was screaming.

I was under the impression the bowden cable was only on turbo models. Is the bowden the cable running from the linkages on the valve cover, down to the transmission?

Tks

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

the trans should be same.
however, are you SURE it won't shift up from 2nd? how long did you hold the motor in 2nd? past the II tick marks on the speedo? (around 45 or 50 IIRC) you could just have a stuck kickdown switch. is 1st to 2nd a long time? like around 25 before it shifts?

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I have driven it for about 20 minutes this way on back roads, and I held it until it was absolutely wailing. Its a non-turbo so I have no tacho, but it was over 45 mph for sure on one run.

I have checked the kickdown switch... it seems to be functioning normally.

It shifts normally from 1st to 2nd, very quickly and smoothly actually (compared to the three SDs and the 240d I've owned in the past).

BTW, the vacuum line to the transmission is connected.

Tks

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Yes, the bowden cable is the one from the valve cover to the right side of the transmission. On earlier models it is a rod and not a cable. On some models there is no rod or cable just vacuum control. If yours is a vacuum controlled only model, I would remove the vacuum and see what happens.
I can't remember a case on this forum where a failure to upshift necessitated the replacement of the transmission. Perhaps other members can.
Have you tried manually shifting it?

__________________
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 did try manually shifting it at first, but nothing changed. The car sat for over a year before I got it, and I had kind of hoped this was an issue related to non-use. (I had an SD that wouldn't shift into 4th for the first week after I put it back on the road after long inactivity.)

I will look over everything on the weekend.

Tks

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Worst year for the 123, for me anyway. Vacuum ONLY to the transmission. I've put a transmission from an '82 240 into a '79 sedan before, and that went perfectly. Not saying you won't be able to use the transmission from your 240D in that '80 TD, necessarily, but you may have to find the appropriate throttle linkage from another car. You'll have to get under there and look.

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er