Whenever I press the gas pedal briskly from standstill, the transmission will immediately short into first (rather than starting out in second). So when I want to get a move on, it responds very well. Also in higher gears (like fourth), getting it to kick-down is relatively easy, and not too much so. It is probably all related to the linkage settings and the proper operation of the 3-position solenoid. Bob is correct, there is a lot of info on the Yahoo site still to be migrated, and I'm working on it! Below is some of the information I have accumulated on the automatic transmission not yet "loaded onto" our site:
"I'm wondering about a switch type device on the right side of the throttle venturi area. There are no wires attached to it nor is there a wire harness near it. Should this be here on a July 64 230SL? Doesnt seem to affect starting or running. Could it be a newer version ?
Tom Sargeant says: sounds like you may have a newer air intake manifold that has a idle throttle switch. This switch affects transmission pressure (among other items) when working properly, at least on an automatic. Mine went bad and when I replaced that switch, my severe "clunk" when coming to a stop was eliminated-it activated the transmission pressure switch.
No switch required on earlier cars with Manual transmission. There should be a cover over the area where the switch would normally go.
It sounds like you're on the right track for the hard downshifting. Make sure the transmission three position solenoid is actually moving the linkage on the transmission all the way to position one when the accelerator is closed. If not then re-check the workings of the accelerator linkage and venturi switch. Take a passenger for a test drive to observe the system working through the opening in the tunnel. As last resort the control pressure linkage on the transmission (between the three position solenoid and the modulator can be adjusted. (make sure everything else is correct first). Since your kickdown is now working, your probably on the right track. Just doublecheck yourself. Some additional and more unusual things to check: Tom found that his linkage had been bent. Also there is a modulator diaphram that can fail and cause shifting problems also. If this happens the car usually puts out some white smoke and spark plug cylinder #6 will foul out from transmission fluid getting sucked up the vacume line going from the modulator to the intake manifold. This diaphram can be changed from under the car without removal of the transmission."
