Clunky gear changes in auto transmission

[rajan]

I own a 1993 300 E 24 Valve 2996 cc in-line 6 cylinder Auto-transmission car.

As you know, traffic in India, especially in city during the day, moves very slowly.

During these times of slow speed and "stop 'n go" movement, I experience "clunky" gear changes in the automatc transmission of the MBZ.

If I am driving on open roads with no traffic and ability to accelerate well, the gear shifts are smooth and wonderful.

I don't believe there should be this difference.

Can it be fixed? Is it because the AT belts need to be adjusted? AT filter cleaned/replaced? not enough AT oil?

Any ideas?

 

[kid-jensen]

The fluid level is the first thing to check......

After that, vacuum leaks anywhere, not just under the bonnet, on some models the locks and fuel filler cap are opened and closed with vacuum, so air could be entering anywhere.

Any leaks in the vacuum system will affect the quality of changes.

As a last resort, change the fluid and filter. After that, a transmission specialist should be able to say if the band adjustment will fix it.

 

[dieselman]

As explained the vacuum modulator controls the quality of the shift. Check there is vacuum to the modulator on the side of the gearbox.