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Nagging transmission issue, '79 123

Something that's bothered me from time to time, like any time I'm trying to accelerate, is that the change from second to third gear seems to happen really early.

If I'm under full throttle load and get it into first gear (which by default it does not start in, as most of you are probably aware), the

1-2 and 3-4 transitions happen right near where the dots on the speedometer indicate they should (at least, that's what I'm guessing the dots are for!). However, the 2-3 transition happens about half way between the dots, so when it gets into 3rd the RPM is really low and the engine just doesn't feel like it's in its power band (go 77 horses, go!).

So my question, are shift points adjustable? Or much worse, is this the sign of something bad to come?

(Info on the ongoing saga of the vacuum system posted in the earlier thread on that topic in regards to the shutoff valve.)

thanks,

-tom!

Reply to
Tom Plunket
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Tom, I have a 83 340d auto, and find that if you shift the lever to L to engage a 1st gear start, you can shift it into 2nd, then back into L and it will stay in 2nd till you shift into D. I've found it help for merging on uphill highway entrances with the AC running.

Reply to
robrjt

Yes, there is a way to correctly adjust the shift points.

Look at the top rear of the motor - on top of the valve cover is some linkage, one rod goes down to the transmission's right side. That's the rod to be checked.

With engine shut down. Pry its ball off the linkage's pin. Gently pull the pressure rod upward

- away from the transmission and allow it to return to its "natural position" (don't let it snap back). Without moving the rod in or out see if it can be placed back onto its pin. If not, shorten or lengthen the rod so it can fit onto its pin when its in its "natural position."

The transmission is now properly adjusted to shift correctly.

Reply to
-->> T.G. Lambach

Tom, when you said it shift fast... do you mean it doesn't stay in 3rd gear at all... maybe like 2 seconds only? If so, your tranny need rebuild... I know... I know... I been through this before and I hate it. I tried everything to bring it back to normal but no help.

One way to overcome this problem is simply shift from D to 3 and then back to D when you are ready.

Reply to
Tiger

Ah, no, in my case it'll stay in third gear if I'm driving in the appropriate (albeit somewhat narrow) range for it. Thinking about it, it might even kick down into third at a point where it normally would have shifted up to fourth already, but I can't say for sure...

No '3' on this car. D, S, L.

Sadly something in the shift linkage has just today started going awry as it's making kind of a clinking or clanking sound when I move the gear selector. ...in this case I'm hoping it's as simple as those bushings that get talked about here from time to time...

-tom!

Reply to
Tom Plunket

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