W124 220E - Changes gears too quickly and won't kick-down

[Oliver_B]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post in the forum.

I have recently acquired a 1993 W124 220E. I got it from my father in law, it needs some work which I am starting to get to.

There is a problem with the transmission, it pulls off perfectly but then proceeds to shift directly into 4th gear and will not shift back down or kick-down. I am under the impression that this gearbox is controlled by vacuum pipes? Am I correct in assuming this? Where would I be able to find these pipes? I have been searching the forums without too much luck. I have found some reference to vacuum pipes but these refer to the central locking system.

The thing is, this gearbox was recently pulled out and serviced by some back-yard mechanics. I'm not sure what they did exactly. The box seems to go fine, just changes too quickly, resulting in the vehicle not having any power unless you floor it to get it up to speed quickly before it changes into 4th.

Any ideas guys?

PS: I hope I have posted in the correct forum and asked for help correctly.

O

 

[bolide]

Probably the kickdown cable is disconnected or incorrectly adjusted. It runs from the throttle linkage down to the gearbox and sets the point in the accelerator travel where kickdown is initiated

I normally set the cable to kickdown at about 65% of throttle travel or where feels best

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

 

[Oliver_B]

Hi bolide,

Thank you for your reply. I didn't think it would be anything too serious.

What would be the best way to inspect this cable? Where is the best place to check, on the gearbox or the throttle linkage?

Thanks again.

 

[Oliver_B]

Hi there,

I think I have found the correct pipe, it comes out off the top of the throttle linkage. It is a rubber pipe? It is quite loose. Unfortunately I don't have time to investigate properly until the weekend because I run out of light in the evenings.

From what I can see though, the pipe runs to an electronic device to the right of the vehicle. I can't see where it goes to after that.

Does this sound like the correct pipe? (I mean the vacuum pipe, I still can't see the kickdown cable, or is this one and the same thing?)

Sorry about the stupid questions but I am a complete novice when it comes to the W124.

Best Regards.