The car: 1991 190E 2.6

The problem: a weak reverese that I haven't paid much attention to over the past few months. This weekend, the car would not shift out of first gear while in drive.

First steps: drain the transmission fluid, and took off the pan.

The transmission fluid is dark dark brown/black and very liquidy. Much less viscous than it should be. Also, there was some silt/grit and some small metal shards in the bottom of the pan. Some silt on the old filter as well. I've attached a few photos.

I may replace the filter and gasket tomorrow, and refill with new transmission fluid to see if that helps. But, does anyone else have a diagnosis/suggestions?

Thanks!



if you can't see the pics, here's the link to the web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/dauentina/CarBits?feat=directlink

Don't forget to drain the torque converter. Take out the diamoned shaped plastic plug at the rear of the engine/front of the transmission. Rotate the engine with a 27 mm socket until the screw plug is visibable and remove it. The TC will drain and then put the plug back in.

Replace the filter and oil. Drive the car for a while and check for proper operation. While you're under the car, check the shifter bushings. They may need to be replaced.

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

more than likely it toast - media in the pan and very dark fluid is not the best of things BUT it just might catch back up for a while but my guess not long - jz

Thanks for the information, guys.

@Warren: what bushings? Are they on the inside of the transmission or the outside? I was looking at it with a friend and the linkages for shifting seemed to be running smoothly.

@John: Toast? Like I should just replace it entirely? Or just open up the transmission and replace whatever's creating the shards?

Thanks again!

Tina

DO replace filter, gasket, & trans fluid. DO make sure to drain the torque converter beforehand as others have pointed out. There are pistons and actuators connected by small fluid channels in the valve body that may have become obstructed with debris from wearing clutch packs.

If the trans was still shifting crisply before and not flaring or slipping between shifts, then the clutch packs are probably still good. My theory is your problem is in the valve body. Cheapest start would be to buy a transmission service kit for your car containing the filter, gasket, and crush washers. Then go out and buy either a good quality synthetic automatic transmission fluid that is compatible with your transmission, or MB fluid from the dealer which will probably be non-synthetic, and instead of filling it with that last quart of fluid put a quart of Trans-X in it or B&M Trick Shift. This may clean out the valve body enough to get the hydraulic action going again.

My guess though, is you need a B2 piston replacement. If I'm totally wrong you need a new transmission. You would be surprised at how the transmission can be condemned when it's really only fluid or piston replacement that it needs. From the looks of your fluid, that darkness it is showing looks like fine clutch pack wear particles, so at best you have very little time left with this transmission. Good luck, this is why fluid and filter replacement is crucial every 30k without fail for long trans life.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

BTW: the car was shifting normally until this problem occured.

Tina

you did not say anything about miles but a benz trans suffers like all the rest - from wear

if you are not afraid to do a job like this than go for it but get a trans book, what i did was get the CD than took it to staples and had them give me a paper book i then put it in plastic and into a binder -

you will need some special tools like a lip seal tool ( its really a .012 thousands feeler gage on a stick ) it will help you not install any of the drum seals incorrectly

the unit is not that bad to overhaul if you need the car for work tomorow than let a shop do it , cleaning it is a thing do not use rags as the lint from the rag will get into the valve body and cause it to stop all over again good luck -- jz

Drained both the transmission pan and the torque converter, replaced the filter and gasket, and filled with new fluid.

No change, except that the reverse is a little more responsive than it has been. Not like new, but better. Still not shifting from first to second.

Next step: I may try the cleaner, (thanks d.delano!) or have a more experienced eye look at it. Also looking into a new tranny, unless, someone else has a better idea?

Thanks again!

Tina

Tina,
I had the same problem on my 91 300D when I bought it. It would not shift out of 1st gear. Problem was with the governor located at the left rear of the trans behind a big round cover. The drive gear on the end of the governor was broken in half. Part was 2 bucks and change at the dealer. If you elect to check it out, first remove the rear trans mount to lower the trans then push it as far as possible to the passenger side of the car. This will give you just enough room to get to the governor. Remove the cover by removing the big wire ring and then the cover. You will see the governor weights. try to turn governor by hand. If it will turn, the gear is broker. There is a retainer ring that holds the gov in that you have to release to get the governor out. I can't remember if you spread it out or squeeze it in (can't remember, getting old) but do what ever it takes to pull the gov out and you should see the problem.
By the way, I only found half of the gear and assume the rest is still in the trans somewhere, but it hasn't caused any problems yet. It's been about 5 years now.

Good luck
Paul

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

thanks, all.

i am definitely leaning toward a new transmission.

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Thanks!

Tina

I'm just a girl getting to know her car: "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

1991 190E 2.6