OK, I've been living with this for quite a while (since I got the car).
It has now risen to the top of my "list".
I have a couple of drives coming up, so I would love to get this corrected.
I've read a lot of the MB repair manual, our Tech Manual, and our Forum posts.
I have not been able to put the answer to the puzzle together.
Maybe you can help?
Here are the clues:
While driving (the problem):
I have no kickdown of the trans when I am driving the car and I floor the accelerator pedal.
If I floor it from a stop with the selector in "4", the car takes off in 2, not 1 as it should.
The shifting is harsh always.
If I accelerate briskly in any gear, but not to the kickdown switch, the car NEVER downshifts by itself.
Otherwise the trans works. I get all 4 gears at reasonable shift points. I can move the selector to "2", and the car starts in "1" (and then burns rubber into 2nd, I love that
)
Engine off, ignition on (the clues):
If I move the throttle pedal off the idle position, I feel a click in the 3 position solenoid on the trans. (that means my idle switch works, correct?)
If I engage the kickdown switch with the throttle pedal, I either don't feel anything, or maybe something very faint.
But, when I lift off the kickdown switch, if do feel a click in the 3 position solenoid.
The 3 position solenoid is still connected to the trans. I cannot move it with my hand (engine off or on, in any scenario). Should I be able to move it with my hand?
Engine on, but not driving (more clues):
My CSS (constant speed solenoid) functions perfectly (it engages when I move from Neutral to 4 and when I move to Reverse, it disengages when I move back to Neutral. (doesn't this mean the pressure sensors on the trans work?)
I know all of this means a lot of the system is working ... but I don't know what to try next.
Does the 3 postiion solenoid get stuck, or does the thing in interfaces with on the trans get stuck
Who can help with this puzzle??? It would not be easy for me to start checking pressures. I'm hoping with the clues we can figure out what works and what doesn't.
THANK YOU.