w124 gearbox prob - HELP!!!

[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

 

[andy_k]

start with the obvious and cheap things first.

Have you checked the fluid level?

It needs to be done when the engine and gearbox are at operating temperature so take it for a drive first then have a look at the fluid level with the engine running.

It should be between the two marks on the dipstick and be a nice red colour. If it's low then top it up and see if that solves the problem

If it smells burnt or is dark brown in colour take the car to a gearbox specialist and have a quick chat with your bank manager/credit card supplier

HTH

Andy

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

I think it sounds like the cat warm-up procedure. On petrol cat-equiped cars, the car is kept in a low gear until the cat has reached a certain temperature. This helps emissions and prolong the life of the cat by warming it up quicker.
It may seem worse in this cold weather.

 

[andy_k]

I'd agree with that apart from the bit about "no drive at all" that certainly doesn't sound like the cat warm up procedure

Andy

 

[television]

I think it sounds like the cat warm-up procedure. On petrol cat-equiped cars, the car is kept in a low gear until the cat has reached a certain temperature. This helps emissions and prolong the life of the cat by warming it up quicker.
It may seem worse in this cold weather.

I think this was only started with the 5 speed electric boxes 1998on

Malcolm

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

Good point about the no drive at all- maybe the box goes into that mode if you try to push it past the highest speed for 2nd gear?
My '92 300E had the cat warm up thing, sometimes it would need to warm up for a good 2-3 mins before it would happily change up.