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View Full Version : downshiftin points on 95 c36 tranny



redc36
02-15-2004, 11:01 AM
can someone please explain me why my car C36 1995 with 4 speed auto doesnt downshift to 2nd lets say at 40mph. its sort of slow if i try to race someone and push the accelerator to floor at that speed and it stays in 3rd b/c i dont feel the pull until beyong 4300 rpms. if i floor it at 60 it pulls ok i guess. off the start its ok too . what are the proper downshifting points with this tranny or should i manually row through the shifter :) . basically any techniques would help. maybe my tranny is kaput if it doesnt dont shift at that speed.

thanks

GDawgC220
02-15-2004, 12:31 PM
The 4 speed isn't electronic controlled, all vacuum (sp?). I'm not sure if they tuned the 4 speed in the C36 differently than the other w202's with that tranny, but I can be in fourth as low as 25mph when I'm slowing down. Then when I give it some gas, it usually downshifts to 3 if I give it enough gas.

If I really need to gun it, I'll kick it all the way down and it will jump to 2nd gear.

As for you being at 40mph and hitting the gas pedal, it should drop to 2nd gear...mine does that, so it should, unless there's a problem with your tranny.

redc36
02-15-2004, 12:37 PM
hi. would it it be problem with my tranny or something that controls it. i mean it shifts fine from every gear and it will keep second until 6300 rpms if i floor it. except like i said down shifting is the issue

GDawgC220
02-15-2004, 12:41 PM
Originally posted by redc36
hi. would it it be problem with my tranny or something that controls it. i mean it shifts fine from every gear and it will keep second until 6300 rpms if i floor it. except like i said down shifting is the issue

From your original post, if you were at 40mph, it wouldn't necessarily downshift to any gear, say 2nd or 3rd. I don't think that's how the tranny is setup. Say, you were going 70mph and slowed down to 40, it would not downshift. Even if you slowed down from 70 to 30, it probably wouldn't downshift until you gave it gas and it has a reason to downshift.

But, if you say your at 40 and hit the gas all the way, it should drop to 2nd, and your saying it only goes to 3rd. That issue may be the kickdown controller (if you look under your hood at the left side, near the hood hinge, look straight down and you should see a kickdown module there (that's where mine is). Its either that or a vacuum line somewhere that controls the tranny.

Good luck.

Eurosport
02-15-2004, 02:25 PM
just use your right hand and shift yourself more fun anyway

redc36
02-15-2004, 02:30 PM
i am sure it is fun but how does it affect the tranny? is it harmful?

moebiusgold
02-15-2004, 05:48 PM
The more WOT shifting the tranny does, the faster it is going to wear out, the more frequetly you should change the oil. You can't get something for nothing. The 4 speed is more bullet proof than the 5 speed Electronic.

audiophile
02-15-2004, 09:23 PM
out of curisoity my car (98 c230) whenever i floor it if it does go down to 2nd say around 4300rpm i have to let off a little because it feels as if it just doesnt want to go any more. then after it goes up to third then it starts pulling again. any ideas?:confused:

omegabenz
02-15-2004, 10:06 PM
If you want it to downshift hard, you have to mash the accelerator pedal. There is a kickdown switch at the bottom. Many mercedes drivers think the car is fully floored, but its not, you have to go another 1/4 inch. Really push hard, you will notice the difference.

redc36
02-16-2004, 04:19 AM
damn it i will floor it 2day! then my next post will be why is my tranny not shifting at all. kiddin but i will try it though

redc36
02-18-2004, 02:29 AM
now i know wut a kickdown switch is!
excellent thanks guys

omegabenz
02-18-2004, 12:50 PM
It is better now?!?!?!?!?

redc36
02-18-2004, 02:13 PM
just when u think u pressed enough u really must press it harder for that little switch to turn on. hell yeah its better! i still want turbo! maybe in few years when i finish paying off and have money to waste
thanks everyone

KenzBenz
02-18-2004, 03:14 PM
kickdown shift eh....:D must try tonight

1SIKBNZ
02-18-2004, 04:16 PM
So as far as shifting yourself with the shifter in an automatic (99 c280) its not really "harmful" to the tranny just may wear out quicker and just change oil more often? or how bout if i only do it on occasion. i always wondered about doing it but always thought it was bad for the tranny.... thanks!