93 Mercedes shifting hard when cold

[OM605]

Not sure if this is a problem but maybe there are ways to counteract that. It seems like temperature has a big impact on how the transmission shifts. It shifts quite hard when cold and then it keeps getting smoother. After sitting in traffic i almost can't feel the transmission shifting at all. I think the bodwen cable and the vacuum modulator are set properly but why does operating temperature has such a big role in the way the tranny shifts? I used Dexton IID (dino?) at the last fluid change but would a somewhat thinner, synthetic Dexron III change that?

 

[bluesmokertdi]

Not sure if this is a problem but maybe there are ways to counteract that. It seems like temperature has a big impact on how the transmission shifts. It shifts quite hard when cold and then it keeps getting smoother. After sitting in traffic i almost can't feel the transmission shifting at all. I think the bodwen cable and the vacuum modulator are set properly but why does operating temperature has such a big role in the way the tranny shifts? I used Dexton IID (dino?) at the last fluid change but would a somewhat thinner, synthetic Dexron III change that?

check the fluid level, it might be low

as the fluid heats up it expands

 

[OM605]

The level's perfect, almost at the max mark at operating temp.

 

[Lubener]

Start with a pan drop, fluid and filter change. Good oportunity to see if a lot of crud is on the pan bottom.

 

[OM605]

Ok, i'll probably drop everything again and take a look, maybe the new fluid had a cleaning effect and a new filter could help.

 

[CleanSump]

I used Amsoil Dex III equivalent on my 92 300D and the hard shifting when cold issue went away. I think the conventional oil just doesn't like the cold.
Do you have a synthetic fluid available to you?

 

[OM605]

I used Amsoil Dex III equivalent on my 92 300D and the hard shifting when cold issue went away. I think the conventional oil just doesn't like the cold.
Do you have a synthetic fluid available to you?

Yes, i think they're available from every brand here. Hydraulic fluids are more expensive than before however and i will try to find a good deal.

 

[flanso]

My 1993 MB 400E shifted smoothly with Redline synthetic; I don't remember which type. As I recall, there is an access hole through which you can remove a small plug to drain the convertor too. The difficult part is lining up the drain plug and the access hole.

 

[JHZR2]

Are the vacuum hoses all in good shape?

 

[OM605]

My 1993 MB 400E shifted smoothly with Redline synthetic; I don't remember which type. As I recall, there is an access hole through which you can remove a small plug to drain the convertor too. The difficult part is lining up the drain plug and the access hole.

Yes i will make sure to drain the torque converter too.

Are the vacuum hoses all in good shape?

Yep, no issues there.

 

[Lubener]

I used Amsoil Dex III equivalent on my 92 300D and the hard shifting when cold issue went away. I think the conventional oil just doesn't like the cold.
Do you have a synthetic fluid available to you?

Conventional fluid has been around many decades and there's never been a problem with the cold.

 

[JHZR2]

Conventional fluid has been around many decades and there's never been a problem with the cold.

Totally agree. Zero issues with any of my MB transmissions, from 81-93. Different variants. And the potentially more sensitive diesel ones.

 

[CleanSump]

Conventional fluid has been around many decades and there's never been a problem with the cold.

You didn't own or drive my Mercedes.

 

[Lubener]

You didn't own or drive my Mercedes.

No, my transmissions are in good condition and do not need a specific fluid type to function properly.

The factory fill fluid on your Mercedes was not synthetic and it worked fine back in 92.

 

[CleanSump]

Great. Mine worked fine at 348k miles when I donated it to a local church and it's still putting around the area just fine.

 

[OM605]

What i'll do for now is drop the pan and replace the filter. I'll eventually switch to a synthetic Dexron III when weather gets colder but maybe that's just the way these trannies are.

 

[JHZR2]

What i'll do for now is drop the pan and replace the filter. I'll eventually switch to a synthetic Dexron III when weather gets colder but maybe that's just the way these trannies are.

I don’t see a need for synthetic. Regular Dex with lubeguard red works for mine.

 

[OM605]

I don’t see a need for synthetic. Regular Dex with lubeguard red works for mine.

I'm interested, what car is "yours"?

 

[JHZR2]

I'm interested, what car is "yours"?

1981 240D
1982 300CD
1991 350SD
1991 300D
1993 300D
1993 300SD

Are my current collection. All are running straight D/M Dex IIi clone with Lubeguard red.
I did find some M1 ATF on clearance and have two quarts blended in on the 300CD.

 

[CleanSump]

Lubegaurd red isn't needed in a maintained Mercedes. It's a crutch for converter shutter that these vehicles shouldn't suffer.