Hi everybody,
I have an automatic `85 300TD wagon with 200K miles on it. The engine is strong and idles properly. When I accelerate normally from a standstill, the transmission stays in first gear longer than it should, shifting as if I had the pedal to the floor. It might be between 3500 - 3750 RPMs when it lets go to second gear, and with a normal sounding thud and slight jerk (not a clunk). You better not be sipping your coffee! There are no whining, grinding, or clattering sounds from the tranny. When I try to accelerate very slowly it still does it, though the RPM may not be quite as high when it lets go to second. The shift from second to third is normal and so it usually shifts right after of first to second, since first winds up, staying in second for only a few seconds. Other than that the drivetrain seems pretty tight and solid. I have tried manually shifting with the selector from first to second but it still does it about the same.
-will appreciate some advice. Thanks.