I'm having tranmission problems with my 95 e320 which has 114k miles on it. Yesterday while on the freeway, I kept a steady speed at 80mph. when out of nowhere, I feel the car drop down a gear or two and see the rpm fly. I change lanes but I can't really press the gas pedal because of the gear it's on and the speed the car has, so I try to coast it to an exit. As soon as I get off, it stays in that same gear and doesn't change until I come to a full stop and then go. What's going on? Is it time for the transmission to get tuned up? Thanks in advance.

 

when was the transmission last serviced?

 

it's never been serviced..

 

Is the CHECK ENGINE light on?

I

 

nope..should it be?

 

If it was most likely it is the MAF sensor which if really bad can cause symptoms like this. If I were you, I would take it somewhere and drop the tranmission pan. Check to see if any metal shards are in the pan. If not then you can thank God. Most likely the best way to trouble shoot is from the pan and work your way up.

at 114k miles do the standard checks which could cause these symptoms:



*) Oil changes (I hope you are up to date on this!)
1) Check the tranmission oil when the pan is dropped. If its thick and and not translucent and dark then change it for sure...
2) Under the pan you will see a filter, its rengular/trapazoid shape. There is a hole you can peak in after you pull it off the seal....if its grungy in there definitely change it.
3) Spark plugs (cheapest to change and easiest) - check them out and make sure they arent rusted or obstructed by dirt oil or wear and tear.
4) Air Filter
5) Ignition wires + coil (costly but will increase performance) You will need a computer to test these or a simple 'light' kit to check them out.

These are standard checks...if you do these and all is well then we can address it further...btw: what is your location....

FYI: Here are the price ranges (can be disputable) for the said maintainence

*) $20-60
1) FREE (or cost of labor if you can do it urself)
2) $80 dollars the most!
3) $100 dollars
4) $50
5) 200-300 dollars

The whole maintaince should not cost you more than $600 dollars.

 

Thanks Antonio, I'm in Cali by the way. I'll start with the cheapest first and go from there.

Air filter good...one down

could it be the kickdown switch?

 

Here's my fluid level that I checked today. It was taken when the car was hot (engine temp. 80-90 C). Color was a mix between light brown and light red...

 

hI,
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY 1995 E 320 THE REVERSE DOES NOT ENGAGE AT ALL.
MIGHT BE THE MODULATOR. THAT IS WHAT THE SHOP SAID. FIRST TIME HERE. I DID ALL FILTER CHANGING AND SO FORTH.
DID NOT FIX IT. MAY BE THERE IS NOE EASY FIX.

 

Check the vacuum line from modulator to the intake manifold - if there is ATF in the line, your modulator needs replacement - ATF is being sucked into intake manifold and burned in the engine . . .