1986 300SDL tranny?
 

My car will not shift out of second gear. I was wondering if there is any type of modulator on this model or if my tranny must need replaced? It is an automatic transmission which I have been babying for about the last ten years because it was leaking small amounts of fluid. The mechanic told me it could last a month or years, no way to really tell. Yesterday the car was not shifting from third to fourth gear where it normally does at 3000 RPM. Now it won't shift out of second? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I hate to give up the car, but I can't spend a lot to fix it either.

There is a modulator on this one, but it won't cause this problem. Does the shifter feel loose or make a cliniking sound when you shift? there is an off chance that the shift bushings are worn out and causing you to select the wrong range, but most likely it needs a rebuild. If you live close, I'm a certified MB trans builder in Minneapolis, they usually come in around $2500 for a full overhaul.

Alex