Tranny won't shift to 4th

[Tom Q]

I did a search and could not find anything close to my problem. My tranny sometimes won't shift to 4th gear (I have a 4th speed auto).

I got to the freeway and started accelerating but the gear reamined in 3rd thus the high RPM. I released the gas pedal and downshifted to third and back to D. Then it engaged to 4th. When it shifted though, it wasn't the usual kick we feel when shifting. It felt like the "clutch was slipping". I tested the car by shifting manually and it woked fine. If I'm in "D" it would sometimes take along time to go to 4th or not at all.

What is this.....:(

[SLAMMED_C]

could be a few things.. sticking solenoid on the conducter plate, the valve body, the trans module.. or last but not least the trans itself.
if your into doing work on your own car.. and have the tools.
you can swap out the solenoid for 3-4 shift with another one, say 1-2, or 2-3.. this way if it moves to wherever you put it.. you know its the conductor plate with the solenoids on it. its a messy job and if it doesnt fix it.. then its time wasted!!

[Tom Q]

Yup I'm DIY but where is the solenoid and the plate? Sorry, I'm new to MB cars.

[SLAMMED_C]

You need to take the transmission oil pan off, remove the oil filter, then remove the valve body (a whole bunch of torx bolts).
The conductor plate (with all the solenoids on it) sits on top of the valve body, each pair of solenoid is held down a bracket and a torx bolt.
dont forget to replace te oil pan gasket.. if your car has an electronic transmission you can put back the trans fluid you took out.. you may need to top up a bit though as saving every single drop is impossible!

[Tom Q]

thanks a lot man.

[aquanote]

hey there, i have the same problem as tom Q. i was wondering if you would help me by giving me details on how to fix it. is the solenoids and the plate an expensive part consider that most of trans part usually cost a fortune. If i switch the solenoids as per your suggestion how long would it last??? is it really worth it to do the switch or just buy the solenoids and change for all the gear. Thank's

[SLAMMED_C]

I just gave Tom Q some quidance on how to diagnose his problem better.. by swapping the solenoids on the conductor plate he can see if that is actually his problem or not, if it is he will then need to replace the whole conductor plate as I dont think you can buy individual solenoids from the dealer (I may be wrong).
I believe the conductor plate is about $150-200.

[aquanote]

one more things is it the kick down solenoied or the solenoied seal? and should i buy 4 solenoids since i believe we have 4 gear on AT.

[SLAMMED_C]

I dont think there is asolenoid for the kickdown, Im pretty sure that is electroniclly controlled by the computer and kickdown switch under the gas pedal.
as for buying all the solenoids.. if you buy the conductor plate, it has all solenoids on it, but if you can buy them seperatly, yeh I would buy the all.. if ones going, then another one could possibly go, save you time and effort by doing them all at once.

[aquanote]

i was looking at this website that i found from one of the member comments in this forum. The site called mercedespart.com if i'm not mistaken...they said that it has a kickdown solenoids so that's why i ask. Anyway, thank's for the help and u got one hell of a good car

[SLAMMED_C]

i was looking at this website that i found from one of the member comments in this forum. The site called mercedespart.com if i'm not mistaken...they said that it has a kickdown solenoids so that's why i ask. Anyway, thank's for the help and u got one hell of a good car

Im not saying there isnt a kickdown solenoid, Im not sure if there is or not.. Id have to look into it, so dont quote me!!
If ya want me to check for you, let me know the year of your car so I can look up the trans and get some technical info.

Thanks man.. big things in the works for my ride. its gonna be really sweet when its finally done!! if it is ever "done"!!

[aquanote]

No problem man, i had a 1996 C200 actually coz i wasn't living in the state... but i guess that it will be the same with c220 or c280....could u check that for me please...thank's....damn u really going to put some more work into it?? wish i got some extra dough man...hehehehe...keep me update with ur cars update...how does the kleemen work out for you??