Help It won't shift into 4th gear - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

GP · #1 09-30-2004, 01:58 PM

Hi All,

I have a 94 SL500 that suddenly wouldn't shift into 4th gear. I checked the ATF and it was fine. I tried driving it around waiting for it to shift automatically, but it just stayed in 3rd.

I even tried while driving say 50mph to shift into N (neutral) then back to D (drive) it would shift to 4th for a moment then once I apply gas it would upshift to 3rd.

I don't hear any noises or signs of transmission problems, all other gears 1-3 and reverse work.

I even had a friend who works on mercedes check the vacuum near the transmission pan, no leaks in the vacuum.

Also i made sure the snow traction wasn't causing it.

We even went to the extent of draining the transmission plan of ATF and putting new ATF.

Still no luck!!!

So any info would be appreciated.

Thanks
GP

sixto · #2 09-30-2004, 10:32 PM

Are you sure you're not miscounting because it's starting in second (as it should)? What are the engine rpms at 65 mph?

Please don't shift into neutral at 50 mph. If you're transmission doesn't need a rebuild now, it will shortly if you keep doing that.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

GP · #3 09-30-2004, 11:12 PM

Hi Sixto,

I've taken into consideration that the car may start in 2nd gear, but 60-65mph rpms are above 3000-3500 rpm, where usually the would be at 2000 rpm.

Help

Thanks
GP

donbryce · #4 10-01-2004, 07:32 AM

Stuck kick-down switch or kick-down solenoid at transmission?

GP · #5 10-01-2004, 11:33 AM

Hi Don,

If the kick down switch was stuck wouldn't that just leave me in 2nd or 3rd? Im wondering why 4th gear, is it a safety program? how do i make adjustments or fix the problem.

Thx
GP

donbryce · #6 10-01-2004, 12:27 PM

I was just guessing, because my 85 380SE wouldn't upshift to high gear (not sure what that is either), so I disconnected the switch (under the gas pedal) and that solved the problem.