Automatic Transmission

[n/a]

1969 W113 will not shift into fourth gear.
Suspect 4th gear selinoid???
Easy way to check?[:p]

[n/a]

Found an obscure test for checking the wiring configuration
will let you guys know...

[Cees Klumper]

The car will start off in 2nd gear, so when you count from start, there appear to be only three gears. And the final gear will appear to be way too low, because the RPM's will appear to be way too high. That's how the car was designed. When I first test drove a W113 I thought the 4th gear was broken also. At 65 MPH, I guess the RPM's would be around 4,000?

First gear can be engaged by putting the selector in "2", or by (almost) flooring the car from standstill (that is, if the automatic transmission is in good shape and all of the linkages, 3-position solenoid, microswitch etc are all adjusted properly). But you will notice the car will shift into second gear real quick anyway.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[J. Huber]

Hey Cees.

On my 230SL, cruising at 65MPH is more like 3200-3500 ...rarely run it to 4000 (except in shifting situations) ... hate that red light behind me!

You are right about 1st being short but swift..good way to burn rubber...



James
63 230SL

[Cees Klumper]

I noticed that, on several 230 SL and 250 SL's, the tach seems to indicate a much lower value than on my 280 SL at the same road speed, even after I installed a 3.69 rear differential (rather than the standard 4.08). It may be imaginary though, since I never really "calibrated" my tach in any way. I suppose I could try and hook up an electronic tach some time to do so?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic