Hi all,
I had removed my radiator, detaching the transmission fluid line, then reattached and as far as I know that is all my head gasket replacement job affected the transmission. Everything back together and I over filled the trans fluid by a few inchs on the dipstick (with it running). Went for a test drive and all went well except a few times where it would shift up normally to the highest gear and then just lose load...just as if I had shifted into neutral.
I had to downshift to 3rd and then it picked up. I could stop and shift into Drive again and it would shift up normally and then once I got to the highest gear just rev up as before. I removed some fluid because I thought it might be sensitive in this way to overfilling. Since I lowered the level to right on the top line it has done this behavior once more and then stopped. Last test ride was completely normal. Transmission shifting exactly as it should.

Is it possible that the overfilling and the losing the highest gear could be related? Has this happened to anyone else? The transmission has served me very well and I have 200k on it. I changed the fluid about a year ago in hopes that it would last as long as possible. My experience with transmissions going south is that they lose reverse first. I am hoping this is not the way these trannys go.

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee
1995 E320 wagon

Overfilling can cause foaming & foam will not apply that clutch pack.

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Hi Sasjzl I have a similar problem I think. My 1997 E320 played up after a 30 kilometer drive. I stopped and then place it in reverse and nothing, then I placed it in drive and nothing again. I switched it off and did the work I had to do then returned to it about 1 hour later. I started it and drove off as normal then 10 k up the road it raced as if out of gear, ( I was on cruise control), so I pulled over luckily at a garage. I bought some Castrol Transmax M ATF about 1 liter and added it. The car drove fine home about another 20k's.

Today we drove away from home about 60 kilometers and all fine. On the way back though I was worried that I was low on fluid so put 500 ml in. On the way home, up a long hill, the car smoked ATF that was being burnt on the exhaust coming from? Not sure if it is from a broken hose, over filled or?

I have it home now and will inspect over the weekend but would like to know if the smell of burnt ATF is a serious issue or can I just adjust the bands myself?

All help appreciated.