Gearbox help - PLEASE!!

[ric220]

Hi there! Have a '94 e220T (auto 4 spd) which has developed gearbox prob and would really appreciate any ideas (particularly cheap ideas!).
When starting from cold, the gearbox will not change up higher than 2nd. If I continue accelerating in 2nd (above about 40mph), the 'box will then totally disengage and I can rev freely with no drive at all. Car will then crawl to a stop and I have to start again.
Eventually after about 5 mins all will suddenly be well, all gears operate normally and very smoothly. Does not happen when starting up once warm. Can anyone suggest the reason for this??
Thanks a lot

 

[tjo]

have you checked the oil level, should be checked with engine hot, ticking over in park

 

[MondeoMan]

I'd replace the fluid (and filter) first, dirty fluid plays havoc with autos.

 

[clive williams]

Hi there! Have a '94 e220T (auto 4 spd) which has developed gearbox prob and would really appreciate any ideas (particularly cheap ideas!).
When starting from cold, the gearbox will not change up higher than 2nd. If I continue accelerating in 2nd (above about 40mph), the 'box will then totally disengage and I can rev freely with no drive at all. Car will then crawl to a stop and I have to start again.
Eventually after about 5 mins all will suddenly be well, all gears operate normally and very smoothly. Does not happen when starting up once warm. Can anyone suggest the reason for this??
Thanks a lot

Ric,

I had very similar problems on the 500E, which was low fluid level (caused by leaking pipe union). Definitely check the fluid level.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[piestore]

auto box

hi

likewise oil level

 

[Guy Greenwell]

My C250 Turbodiesel is reluctant to change up when cold too. however I have noticed that his reluctance only occurs when I have the selector lever in "D" and the indicator is not illuminated- <switch on lights to illuminate the quadrant>. when warm the D position lights up and the gearbox changes normally.
If I put the lever to position "4" when cold the number 4 lights up and the box changes up to 4th gear normally moving the lever to D then lets it change to 5th.
I have changed the gearbox oiland filter, also the torque converter oil but no difference so presume the fault lies in the electronic control of the box being linked to the selector lever position indicator lights because as soon as the car warms up the ligt for D comes on and the box works correctly.
Guy Greenwell