W124 Autobox hesitating

[Henkka]

My 230CE (722.3) auto transmission ”hesitates” on shifts. At around 2000rpm on each gear it tries to shift up but hesitates, the car feels like it’s ”jumping” constantly, trying to shift. RPM’s go up and down by around 200 at that time and it does that until I change the position of the gas pedal either up or down. Sometimes that’s not enough and I have to press on the kickdown so the tranny settles.

 

[alexanderfoti]

As a first step, I would check the oil level using the build in dipstick?~

 

[Henkka]

As a first step, I would check the oil level using the build in dipstick?~

Level is normal. Changed fluids a month ago.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Level is normal. Changed fluids a month ago.

Check the cable adjustment as a next step then, at the throttle linkage.

 

[Henkka]

Check the cable adjustment as a next step then, at the throttle linkage.

Linkage connected. What do I need to check about the cable? That just controls the shift points..

 

[alexanderfoti]

Can you describe the fault in more accurate detail then?

Tries to shift up?

Flares into the next gear?

Actually does shift up?

Any chance of a video?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Linkage connected. What do I need to check about the cable? That just controls the shift points..

If its out of adjustment it will shift up too early, then down again then up then down

The pointer should be lined up at idle

 

[Henkka]

If its out of adjustment it will shift up too early, then down again then up then down

The pointer should be lined up at idle

The shift points aren’t the problem, it’s the fact that it doesn’t want to shift. Not familiar with the term flaring. The car just feels like I’m pumping the brakes while driving when it tries to shift *UP*. It does shift eventually, as I said when I adjust the gas pedal position or let go of it for a second. Video wouldn’t really help as you can only see the RPM going up and down by 200 around once per second.

 

[mattkh]

Check the cable adjustment as a next step then, at the throttle linkage.

Do you mean the throttle cable..??

 

[mattkh]

Level is normal. Changed fluids a month ago.

Q!. Mileage
Q2. Did you check the Vacuum Modulator.?

 

[Henkka]

Q!. Mileage
Q2. Did you check the Vacuum Modulator.?

The vacuum ”pipe” going next to the valve body? Disconnected that as I though this was caused by it.

 

[Henkka]

300k kilometers

 

[DREAMER NO2]

No you must replace that vacuum line ,because the auto box must have vacuum to help it to change .Check the vacuum from that pipe to the gearbox . If its doing it with the vacuum pipe off ,, then you dont have any vacuum . And i would also check the the rev counter pointer when it this happens . Could it be the engine cutting out at the same revs ? at the point of the gear changes ?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Without any vacuum present the box should change very aggressively into each gear. If it does not do this, your line pressure is low or the box is worn out, probably the latter considering it has 300,000K

 

[mioba]

The W124 is massively vac controlled. A masterpiece. Check