stuck in first, '91 190E 2.3 auto
 

I couldn't find this mentioned in the archives. After returning to the car from a shopping stop, the transmission would not shift up from 1st gear. When accelerating up, then releasing accelerator, car coasts - cannot detect any engine drag. Pushing back on accelerator while coasting, engine revs up until the transmission engages. Thought fluid might be low - didn't look that way, but added some. Definitely overfull now, still stuck in 1st gear.

What is the likely diagnosis?

Thanks. Steve.

For reference, my mechanic says the valve body is plugged w. debris from disintegrating clutch surfaces. Recommends overhaul instead of just cleaning valve body passages (100k mi on car). $1500 for repair.

Steve

When was the last time you drained the ATF and replaced the filter?

How many miles on the trans?

An unknown, since we aquired the car. The trans is original, 100k, and 15k of that is our driving. The fluid looked clean and unburned on the dipstick. Some of the driving is on severe downhill, where we shift it in and out of 2nd for many miles.

Steve