I was cruising past Arlington National Cemetery yesterday, when during stop and go traffic, my transmission audibly "clunked" and wouldn't get out of first gear.

After trying to force the issue for a mile, I pulled over, and put the car in park. Engine seemed to be all right, so I turned the engine off. The transmission fluid level seemed to be okay, too. No dripping underneath or funny burning smells...for a old diesel I mean

Turned the car over again, and it ran, so I gave it another shot and it drove okay. I was able to get home at a reasonable clip ~45mph. It seemed to grouch at going any faster

Once home I did some research and came up with a likely suspect: the kick-down switch under the throttle pedal

Now the transmission is old (261K) so the question is: do I merrily chase the white rabbit down the rabbit hole into Wonderland or just fork over the cash for a new tranny?

__________________
Ethan Hunter
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL (263,000 miles)

Disconnect the switch to confirm.

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Present
1987 300SDL
1991 300SL
1990 560SEL
2001 ML320

Past
1969 200D 1979-82
1983 300SD 1984-85
1972 250C 1982-02
1995 S350 2011
1997 S320 2012

once I disconnect, what should I expect?

__________________
Ethan Hunter
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL (263,000 miles)

This is not a symptom for which anyone can possibly provide you with a solution.

The exact symptoms, described using vehicle speed and engine speed and transmission gear need to be provided if you expect any hope of assistance.