The transmission wouldn't shift from 1st to 2nd gear
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
The transmission wouldn't shift from 1st to 2nd gear
Hi guys,
ML320 from 1998 with comparatively low (120k) milage not all the time shifts from 1st to 2nd gear.
After starting the car for the first time in a day (or after a few hours of not driving) the transmission does not shift from the 1st to the second gear for some time, then when it shifts the rest of the gears shift with no problems including the 1st and the 2nd gears.
Some sources say that the complete fluid change should be avoided because the build up could disperse throughout the transmission, and a half fluid first following by half fluid later should be done.
Some other sources say that it is better to not even touch the transmission because it'll make it worse.
But the problem stays, so, please let me know what would you recommend.
Thank you.
ML320 from 1998 with comparatively low (120k) milage not all the time shifts from 1st to 2nd gear.
After starting the car for the first time in a day (or after a few hours of not driving) the transmission does not shift from the 1st to the second gear for some time, then when it shifts the rest of the gears shift with no problems including the 1st and the 2nd gears.
Some sources say that the complete fluid change should be avoided because the build up could disperse throughout the transmission, and a half fluid first following by half fluid later should be done.
Some other sources say that it is better to not even touch the transmission because it'll make it worse.
But the problem stays, so, please let me know what would you recommend.
Thank you.
