S-Class (W126) 1979-1991: 300 SE, 300 SEL, 380 SE, 380 SEL, 420 SEL, 500 SEL, 560 SEL, 360 SEC, 500 SEC, 580 SEC, 300 SD TURBODIESEL, 300 SDL TURBO, 350 SD TURBO, 350 SDL TURBO

Trans sticking in 2nd gear

Old Jan 27, 2011 | 06:19 AM
  #1  
mobil's Avatar
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M-198
Trans sticking in 2nd gear

Hi folks,
New guy here.
I picked up a lovely 1991 300SE a few months back.
It runs very well except for one thing, it is hesitant to shift out of 2nd when cold. If I drive away without warming it up fully, it will stick in second for about a minute until it shifts.

Anyone experienced this?
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Old Feb 3, 2011 | 03:29 PM
  #2  
Durbo20vT's Avatar
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From: CT
03 VW GTi 20vT & 89 300SEL
my old 420 did that when the trans fluid was low. did a trans oil and filter change on it and never saw the problem again.
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Old Apr 5, 2011 | 10:48 PM
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RLE
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Originally Posted by mobil
Hi folks,
New guy here.
I picked up a lovely 1991 300SE a few months back.
It runs very well except for one thing, it is hesitant to shift out of 2nd when cold. If I drive away without warming it up fully, it will stick in second for about a minute until it shifts.

Anyone experienced this?
It's normal. Starting in 1990, MB decided that the cat needed to warm up faster, purely for emissions, so they added the 2nd gear brief hold. It can be disabled.

Annoying but normal.
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