Coincidentally this week, both a neighbor and another friend told me about their sick MB transmissions. First car is an '81 300D and the second is an '88 300SE. Both auto-boxes have high mileages and will only operate in first and reverse gear. Does this symptom suggest a specific cause to anyone? I tried a search and found mention and argument over a possible B2 piston fault but nothing conclusive.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

FYI! the governor must operate for the trans to up-shift from 1st gear.

ON the 1981 300D the trans modulator MUST have vacuum to up-shift UNLESS the engine goes to max RPM!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

May as well eliminate the kickdown switch under the gas pedal by unplugging to make sure kickdown isn't initiated.

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Don't ask me, I'm a shop-owner by default