Holding in 2nd Gear when engine/gearbox is cold?

[Nomar]

Hi guys,

My w210 E36 is behaving as the title says, it holds onto 2nd gear and refuse to change up unless reving to high revs like 4-5k when the engine/gearbox is cold (usually first thing in the morning), it only seems to do that a couple of times then the gear box return to normal, i.e. change gear at low rev when driving gently.

anyone had this before or know what is causing this? is this a "feature" of a 4 speed box?

many thanks in advance!

 

[rpneed]

I have this with my w202, except mine is when its hot or cold. If i pull away quickly it will hold second to redline and then not move to third until the revs have dropped back to 2000 or so. I am told that holding second gear when cold is normal as it is supposed to warm up the cat quicker. Yours maybe ok, it maybe worth checking atf level too in case its low. Mine is a more serious fault i think. Also my kickdown doesnt work. Hope this helps.

 

[horgantrevor]

atf level and filter when was it last changed

and have you sliped the gear stick before from d to p before fully stopping this can also nacker torque converter

 

[renault12ts]

Holding on to lower gears when cold is normal. But not usually up to 4000rpm.

 

[Nickk]

I've told this story before.........

Mine was sluggish changing up, so I had the "plate" changed in My E240. The whole job cost £550 incl VAT at an Auto box specialist. Lazy gearchanges now gone.

Dicky plate can (I believe) be diagnosed by removing the electrical plug from the lower corner of the box (front drivers side corner). If oil is present then plate probably shot as it will be covered and impregnated with oil that affects resistances and electrical stuff, and so affect the box.

Now if I'm talking rot and have been taken to the cleaners, then I'm sure someone who knows more than me will let us know, but they haven't done so yet.

 

[markjay]

This is actually by design.

When the engine is cold, the gear change pattern is such that the engine revs higher than normal in order for it to reach working temperature quicker. However, the real purpose is to warm up the cats quicker - apparently this is an environmental requirement because the cats are not very efficient when cold.

It's in the owner's manual...

 

[markjay]

It can be bypassed, however, by clever use of the accelerator pedal - the gearbox can be made to switch to higher gear by applying constant increasing pressure and then releasing it quickly and collecting it again slowly - but it does take some training.

 

[markjay]

But only when the car is COLD! Up-shift issues at any other times is an entirely different issue.

 

[Kiki]

I have the same issue on my 202.

Just had the gearbox overhauled and the issue is still there only when cold. Been told that is normal.

 

[renault12ts]

It is...read the manual.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

Quite right more on the C240T and less with the C43

 

[Nomar]

wow thanks for all these replies, i wasn't expecting this many!

I am not sure if this makes any difference but mine is a 4 speed gearbox? I never notice it holding onto 2nd gear when cold until last winter, but i don't remember it doing this in the winter before last... may be it wasn't cold enough haha

I think i may change the fluid and filter when i have the time, just in case. Do you know what fluid should go in the 4 speed box? it is hard to find the correct fluid, i have tried searching various benz forum. I asked the MB dealer and all they said is a dextron 4a oil and they don't sell in it bottles?? may be it is because it is an AMG gearbox?