W208 (1998) auto gearbox not changing when cold.

[Sychologist]

My gearbox has started or rather stopped changing gear when the box is cold. It takes the best part of a mile before it will even consider changing and doesn't respond to any movements I make to the forward gears until then. It engages reverse and goes into neutral and park without any problems. When it warms up it is fine.

Both the fluid and the filter has been changed and the car has only covered 57K so my mechanic thinks it may be a stuck solenoid as there are no faults showing? Could it free itself up again after a good run perhaps?

Many thank.

 

[Wighty]

My gearbox has started or rather stopped changing gear when the box is cold. It takes the best part of a mile before it will even consider changing and doesn't respond to any movements I make to the forward gears until then. It engages reverse and goes into neutral and park without any problems. When it warms up it is fine.

Both the fluid and the filter has been changed and the car has only covered 57K so my mechanic thinks it may be a stuck solenoid as there are no faults showing? Could it free itself up again after a good run perhaps?

Many thank.

Sounds like a low atf oil level , check it with a dipstick . When the oil in the gearbox warms up the volume/level increases to the point the gearbox then works correctly.

 

[Wighty]

ATF level should be checked when it’s hot after a 20-25 min drive
With engine running , in Park , on a level surface .