Is my transmission ok?

[softtop]

Hi,

I have a 1994 E320 cabrio automatic. I can put the car in drive and whilst idling it will not move forward. I have to give it a nudge with the accelerator to get her moving.

Yesterday I accidently left it in drive, applied the footbreak and got out of the car for a few mins and she (thankfully) went nowhere. I've had a 300ce in the past and it was much stronger in pulling forward in drive whilst idling.

is this normal for a E320 cabrio?

thanks!

 

[television]

It depends on the idle speed, it should creep at 750-800 rpm

 

[roofless]

i sold a volvo 144 auto & the buyer did the same thing but when he got out he thought his lights looked dim so stuck his foot in to give it a rev to see if they would get brighter only to find it was in reverse still lucky it was a strong old thing so the car was ok & the owener lived

 

[Bolide]

is it a 5-speed or 4-speed 320? In my experience the 4-speed cars creep quite strongly and the 5-speeds don't creep at all

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[softtop]

It's a 4 speed. and crawling forward is really weak. transmission has had an overhaul about 40k miles ago (she's done 141k miles). is there anything i should check...torque converter or something?

(note to self...reverse+foot brake = doh!)

 

[television]

Does the car drive OK is the fluid level OK

 

[softtop]

The car generally drives fine. I do however feel as if i have to 'push' her along with the accelerator, especially up any kind of incline. the gearbox does not flare and she changes gear smoothly.

 

[Blakey]

From what you describe, it sounds like it could be:
1. low on engine power, or
2. binding parking brake, or
3. as Malcolm - low ATF.

 

[wireman]

Do check for brake binding on all four wheels, a slight resistance is all thats required to stop it creeping. The bad news about slight binding is it costs fuel and can dramaticaly shorten brake component life, along with pre heating of one brake which may upset the ballance of the brakes.

 

[softtop]

Thanks all. Will check through suggested items.