1st to 2nd gear shift prob, 1995 C250D

[steve kane]

Hello, I wonder if anyone can assist? we have a 1996 C250D? its a lovely car but the only gripe is a sluggish first change (ie 1st to 2nd) it seems that the change does not take place untill the revs are quite high when it then goes in with a bit of a jolt, the following changes then happen quite quickly (and smoothly) I understand there is a combination of cables and Vacume hoses controling the shifts and Im guessing that a leaky hose could cause these type of symptoms, does anyone have any ideas and perhaps what hoses cables etc I should look at? its also our first auto box car and I wonder if the degree of "creep" is common to them all? if we let off the brake the car will nip off at a good walking pace, usefull when parking though!!

 

[jberks]

The gearbox is programmed to change up at higher revs when cold and I guess with higher revs, comes a clunkier change. As the rest of the changes are fine, assuming 1-2 is ok from then on, the actuators sound ok.
The gearbox is supposed to have oil and filters changed every 40k or so - may be worth checking if its been done.
And yes creep is common. As you say, very handy when parking. the newer 5 speeds don't creep as much, I wish they did. (though putting it into winter setting is great for traffic queues).

 

[steve kane]

Many thanks JB, I had heard that the changes were delayed when cold but it does not get better when were warmed up, the rest of the changes (ie 2-3-4 are fine, just the first change after pulling away, I wonder if whatever holds the changes back when cold is faulty and permanently holding up the change. The oil change, Im afraid I do not know the history of the car so an oil change could be in order, how dificult is the filter change, do you know? Steve.