280SE 3.5 Maximum Shifting Speed 3rd-4th gear

[Jazzenco]

Hello everybody,

I noticed that on speedometer there are yellow marks that indicates maximum shifting speeds for each gear. I have euro speedometer and there are 3 marks on it.First 'I' at 60km, second 'II' at 90km and third 'III' at 150km.

I checked maximum shifting speeds 1-2 is ok, 2-3 also ok. But 3-4 is 142 or 145km which is at the first of three yellow mark. Car wants to shift 3-4th gear 145km in stead middle yellow mark which is 150km.

Are there any adjustment for shifting speeds of each gear on automatic transmission or it can be adjusted by kick down rod? Or what can be the reason?

Will be waiting suggestions.

Thank you very much

Kutluhan

[Tomguy]

Check your engine RPMs to see where it's actually shifting at. You may need to wire up a tach for this. 6800 is the "Safe" redline for the 3.5.

If it is shifting earlier, adjusting the shift rod might help that. With the rod disconnected from the throttle linkage, it should "Rest" right by where it connects.

[Jazzenco]

Thank you very much Tomguy. As I don't have tachometer I was unable to see rpm. However, I have newly replaced my distributor rotor which is used for 3.5 having a redline of 6500rpm. Bosch part nr is 1234332202.

Do you think shifting late can also be adjusted by releasing kick down shifting rod? Or there is an adjusting screw on automatic transmission for shifting speeds?

Thank you very much in advance..

Regards,

Kutluhan

[Tomguy]

That is not a kickdown rod. The transmission only kicks down when the electric kickdown switch is activated (the one that is under the throttle and requires you to "Floor it"). If you're shifting LATE, as in revs too high before shift at light throttle, then the rod needs to be adjusted the other way.