1991 300E transmission problem

[gabev]

Hello there,

I recently bought a 91 300E Benz.So far everythings works ok except the shifting from the 1->2 gear which takes place at about 3000-3500 RPM.After a couples of hard accelerations it starts to change good , under 2000 rpm but the problems returns after the engine is stopped. I've looked through all the threads and I dont know what to make of it.Where should I start looking ?

The car has 164,000 mi.

[Mike Murrell]

Does this only happen when the car is being driven first thing in the morning?

I have to remind myself that while the temps in the U. S. are triple digit on the "F" scale", it's winter "down yonder".

These cars have a delay-shift when cold. After warming up, shifting occurs at lower RPMs.

This may not be your situation.

[gabev]

It does happened when I have low speeds like between 10 - 20 mph and try to accelerate.Then I would have very high rpm like 3000-3500 , let go the gas pedal and its finally shifting. I had the car run for a while and it does exactly the same thing no matter if its warmed up or cold.

[mbdoc]

Sounds like the delay up-shift solenoid is stuck open OR is getting power all of the time.

Try un-plugging that solenoid. Located on the DRIVERS side of the trans at the front..only electrical 1 pin connector at the bellhousing area.

[brewtoo]

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

Sounds like the delay up-shift solenoid is stuck open OR is getting power all of the time.

Try un-plugging that solenoid. Located on the DRIVERS side of the trans at the front..only electrical 1 pin connector at the bellhousing area.

I think I'll unplug mine. I HATE that "feature". Any harm in unplugging it for good?

[gabev]

Weird , weird ,weird.

Yesterday morning I start the car (75F temperature outside) and the trany was in a good mood.Shift was easy, rpm ok no more sluggish ups and downs.Drop my wife to work and on the way back home stop for a coffe.Half hour later while driving in slow traffic it started again : at around 15mph , while accelerating, I feel like it wanna change speeds and RPM goes up till 3500 and still nothing, than , i took my foot of the gas and then press again right away and it finally changes speeds.So I started to "help" the tranny from the gas pedal, accelarate , go to 2500 rpm , release the gas pedal and then press again and i could feel the trany changing really smooth. So far so good but its really annoying.I decided before I follow the leads ( Thank you DOC !) I would run it a couples of days more and see what patterns it follows.

Sooo, today ,start the car ,do the usual runnings and ......no more trany problems.Shifts ok, and rolls neat and good at around 1800-2000rpm( 40mph- 45mph) ,of course, under normal traffic conditions. WEIRD.

I will continue to log all behaviors and post back.