I searched the forum for other mentions of the harsh downshift problem with diesels - in my case from 2nd to 1st when coasting to a stop - but most seem to mention a potential vacuum issue which I don't believe applies to my model year (www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic20242.htm). The problem is intermittent, seems to occur more in stop and go traffic, and more typically when the tranny is "warming up". Only happens in "S" mode (not "W") of transmission mode button. There are no other shifting anomalies - no flare, no clunking, no other noises - in fact the car shifts very smoothly at all other times. Car has 82k miles and has never had any transmission work done on it as far as I know. Should I check flex discs? Any other possible cause of the harsh downshift? thx!

I can't help you fix the problem, but the reason it only does it in Summer Mode instead of Winter Mode is because Winter Mode bypasses 1st gear and starts you off in 2nd.

I too am unable to help resolving your problem.

I do know that our computers monitor the transmission too. Am not certain but believe a scanner with more capability than the $100 Autozone variety is needed (in order to show realtime information/condition).

Perhaps someone more knowledgable could comment and advise if that information would be usueful in this instance?

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

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

I've experienced the same quirk. Just chalked it up as "nature of the beast". My car has plenty of quirks.

Please PM me if you learn anything conclusive.

Cheers,
Ed

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'99 E300D (US Spec), 123K