When my transmission shifts from 2 to 3 there is a real slight hesitation (I think it is called flare). It does not do this going from 3 to 4th. I checked the transmission fluid this morning after having driven 40 miles at 60 mph. The level was closer to 30 on the dipstick than 80. The questions are: a) is the temperature indication on the ATF dipstick ambient temperature (outside - it was pretty close to 30 degree F this morning when I checked it) or can I use the coolant temp. indication on the dash to indicate where it should be close to? b) could the level being a little low be causing this? c) If it is not the level isn't there a trans. adj. that that is recommended to be done only by a knowledgeable MB tech that can resolve this? I will probably bring the level up a little this afternoon after the 40 mile drive home.
thanks
engatwork
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

I'm having a similar issue with my 300sd in the 2-3 & 3-4 gear change. Although I plan on changing the ATF & filter tommorow, I begining to suspect the modulator since it happens only during the first few miles of driving when the outside temp is below 30 (in my humble experience that seems to be when vacuum problems get worse). Just curious if your tranny issue seemed to make it self known as the temp dropped.

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1980 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 300SD
1985 Mercedes 300D
1993 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

hmmm, that is interesting because the temps have just started dropping to speak of around the middle Ga area. I can say that it never happened when the ambient temp were up though. I do not even know if it is anything to worry about but I am taking it to the dealer tomorrow morning and let them ride in it and tell me if there is anything going on there.
engatwork
E320 97k
Honda CRV 76k

After I checked the trans. fluid level, I did a search on the subject because I had the same problem. Following Steve's advice I turned the T in the trans. modulator (inside the black cap, in my car) about a full turn clockwise and that solved 90% of the problem. I could fine tune later on but, right now, I am satisfied with the results.

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J.H.
'86 300E

ok - I made a slight adjustment on the modulator this morning and really could not tell any difference. Unless anyone feels like there could be something funny going on I am just going to keep driving it.
thanks for the help everyone
engatwork
'95 E320 - 97k
'97 Honda CRV - 75k

To my surprise, the majority of my problem turned out to be ATF & filter. My initial suspicion was the ATF. But according to the service records from the previous owner, the ATF & filter was changed about 30k miles ago. When I got ready to take the filter off, I noticed that the tech etched his name and the date it was installed on the filter. THE DATE WAS DECEMBER 6th 1990. The previous owner paid for ATF service twice since that date at the same import shop ($129 on the 1st date, $141 on the other. The shop's slogan contains "honest" on the receipts). The old fluid was the worst I've ever seen .... slightly red towards the top & a milky brown towards the bottom. After I replaced the fluid & filter, the shift issue seemed to improve the more I drove it (only 20 mi thus far). I'm throwing the records in the trash. I was using them to plan my service intervals.

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1980 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 300SD
1985 Mercedes 300D
1993 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

What do you mean by "slight adjustment". Turn it a full turn and maybe more, just remember where you started. I also did a minor adjustment (1/4 turn) with no results. If it does not work just return it to the original position and check something else i.e. fluid level, trans. fluid and filter change, etc.

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J.H.
'86 300E

JH
I just moved it about 1/2 turn clockwise.
thanks
engatwork
'95 E320 97k
'97 Honda CRV 75k

I turned the modulator key this afternoon about 180 degrees .... the minor flare that remains happens only in the shift to fourth at about 27 mph. At 30 mph and above it's fine. I'll probably turn it a bit more next weekend. I'll also replace the ATF again in about 1K just to ease my mind about any remaining sludge.

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1980 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 300SD
1985 Mercedes 300D
1993 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel