230 TE Automatic – 4th gear slipping

[Yerman]

I have a 1987 230TE estate which is great condition for its age. Unfortunately after a long journey, coming off the motorway I found that the car was slipping in fourth gear. I can drive in the other gears fine, but it feels like it hits a neutral rather than going into top gear. I’m not sure if it actually goes into the gear and slips or if it sticks in a neutral between 3rd and 4th (if this is possible). If anybody can offer some advice I’d greatly appreciate it. I would like to try and keep the car going but if the gearbox needs a rebuild, I don’t think it will be worth doing.

 

[turnipsock]

You better check the colour of the transmission fluid. It should be a nice red colour, if it's brown it probably means the gearbox is due a rebuild.

When my gearbox packed up last year, it was coming of the motorway as well.

 

[Yerman]

Thanks for feedback. I have checked the oil and it looks clean. The level is slightly below the low mark on the Dipstick so I will top it up to see if it makes a difference.

 

[turnipsock]

Remember that there is proceedure for checking the gearbox oil.

Also check all the vacuum pipes to the gearbox.