Transmission skipping 4th gear in the cold - causes?

[thebignorwegian]

First off, let me say I'm new to the Mercedes Shop, so please forgive any jargon errors on my part. I heard of this site from a friend, and my '96 Merc has been acting up, so I decided I'd consult you guys!

My problem is with a 1996 E320, and it only occurs in the extreme cold. When I start off in 1st gear (have to stomp on it to force it into 1st), it shifts fine - from 1st to second, it shifts fine - from 2nd to 3rd, it shifts fine - but then it's like it totally misses 4th gear. The RPM's go way over the normal shifting threshold, and nothing - is there something wrong with the tranny? Or is this just a quirk that the '96 Benz had in the cold?

[bobs]

Mercedes automatic transmissions have a function that will keep the engine revs high for a while to help the catalytic converters warm up quicker. Maybe this is what you are experiencing.

[Darrell Woods]

Did the 96 have the 722.6 trans? My 97 does and has loads of cold weather tranny problems. From what I've read, it had a lot of problems with several software updates since original. Not sure, but I think some of the 96s had this tranny. Supposed to be never change fluid (bad idea). I've had mine changed, and no metal present. If you change it, and see metal, all say that's a bad sign. I also just had a small spring changed (honestly don't remember what it was called, but it's the cheapest MB part in the world...$1). Had some electrical connectors changed that were seeping oil. Still having same old cold weather issues. Different than yours. Mine will not shift out of 1st if I use position "D". Put in "4" for 5-10 minutes and then to D and everything works fine. Try yours in "4" the next time it's cold and see if it makes a difference. I've been driving this way for two years because I don't won't to drop $4-7K for a new tranny when this seems to be a work around for the time being. MB honored a sub-frame recall on my 75 SL a couple of years ago. You would think if this transmission is as problematic as it appears they would issue a recall on it. $$$$$ I guess.