E280 w124 Autobox will not change down to accelerate up a hill

[neilkarparts]

Hi All,
My E280 -I have noticed it is not changing down when you want to accelerate say- up a hill, the kick down is working fine and the torque will get up there eventually, but it doesn't drop down a gear, is this a common problem??. I am going to change the fluid acouple of times as I don't think you can empty the Torque Converter withone drain ??? Any Suggestions please!??
Kind Regards Neil

 

[stumpy]

Which mode is the gearbox in?

 

[neilkarparts]

Hi Stumpy,
It happens in Economy and sport. I friend as suggest Towing it around in sport for while to clear out the valves as he had a similar problem with a rover.

 

[Bolide]

Mot likely the kickdown & throttle cables are adjusted incorrectly. IMHO the car should kick down between 60 and 75% of throttle travel and be adjusted to shift smoothly

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[neilkarparts]

Hi Nick,
Two replies for two different queries...Thankyou! ;-) Is this adjustment DIY??? If so where would one adjust it please?? Is it on the throttle linkage??
Regards Neil

 

[neilkarparts]

Hi All,
Just to let you know changing the Box oil has cured my problem, it has taken two days to clear but it seems to be changing down under throttle demand fine now. The oil looked dirty brown, only got 2.5 litres out though so the Torque converter must hold 3 1/2 litres!! Will change again next week.
Regards Neil

 

[124coupe]

Why did you not drain the torque converter? you should find the drain plug through a small window in the housing - get someone to turn the crank in the normal direction when running and the drain plug will come into view (if you have one). You will then get all but about 1/2-1L of the total fluid out.

Did you also change the box filter? Cheap and necessary.

Adjusting the cables should be done as part of a full clean up, lube (with ATF) and check of the throttle mechanism.