W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

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HIMRB
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Hello,

I picked up my G on Monday from the Garage, my very first G after a long search.

In the mornings and after being stood at work all day, it starts on the button and I give it just a couple of minutes before I drive off into traffic, but it seems to stick in 1st for such a long time and this is for the first 5/10  minutes or so of a stop start trip before i get to an 30 mph clear stretch and even then I really have to push the throttle to get it to change up to 2nd. 

I have read about the vacuum pipe on the gearbox  on here but I would have expected the garage to have picked up if there was a problem.

The garage I got it from who restore Mercedes vehicles only, gave me a huge list of what has been done and when I asked about this problem yesterday they said they changed the auto box filter and the oil.

I have driven 4x4 Autos for over 20 years so know how they should be, but not sure about this one !.

Your help and advice would be very much appreciated.

Regards,

MrB

W463 91 G300GE Auto. 105,000 miles

Arnie
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

The shifting points in relation to the throttle position are adjusted by a bowden cable from the throttle linkage. There are some YouTube videos showing how this is done (5 minute job).

The shift quality is adjustable by an adjustment-screw on  vacuum device  attached to the side of the gearbox. Make sure that all vacuum lines are properly connected.

 

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1597891-diy-w123-transmission-diagnose-adjustment-722-a.html

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=121644&page=2

 

same as for G300E:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGNHF-qd_Ms

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2tLAwJbpYg

 

However, if the above fails to sort things out, then it may be that you have problem with the modulator pressure from the internal oil pump. This needs some pressure gauges and test connections to measure. If the pressure is OK, then the next issue may be the control valves or leaks in the K1 or K2 drum clutch pack seals surprise

HOWEVER before you do any of that. Check the oil level. You should have a Dexron-II specification oil and its level need to be correct at operating temperature (approx 70 C) and measured with the engine running and lever in position P.

Worth checking is also the kick-down solenoid and switch. You can remove a fuse to ensure it's not active, and see whether it makes a difference.

(One other point - and I mention it because it actually happened to someone I know- you haven't got the transfer case in low-range by chance ?)

 

 

 

Roly
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Strangely, the G should take off in 2nd gear unless you floor it. So I would check the linkage between the gearbox and throttle as it sounds like this is too tight

markhowes
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

So could this be the answer - that it's actually moving off in 2nd gear (as you say in normal operation it should) and therefore it seems like a long time before it changes up to 3rd?

 

Roly
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

There is a position on the gear selector to put it into first gear manually. It might be called B on the selector. Try engaging that and see how it compares to normal take off. B locks it into 1st for hill decents

HIMRB
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Hello Guys,

Thank you for all the information and advice, very much appreciated, I have now read up on the owners manual and at last had time to check out the whole G over this long weekend . I think my driving needs to change to appreciate the G and it's age. Coming from all new 4X4's for so many years I think I expected too much from a 24 year old vehicle.

The G is going back to the supplying garage this week to fix an oil leak and will get them to check out all your suggestions.

Regards,

MrB

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Well I just got my first G as well ! (not showing off buddy and wouldn't wanna steal your thunder)

It's a 1986 280GE petrol Auto (RHD)

Gear change ? Dude that's a luxury !!!

SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW !!! That's my ol gurl !!!

She sat at 70mph on the motorway (flat) struggled and slowed when inclines occured (big hill low speed. down to 55 once flat out)

Excelleration on this little peach is a thing I fear that is only a dream.

Might be achievable in a G700 AMG brabus ?

GE280 petrol auto, Buy some comfy Altberg boots and walk it mate !

All that said I love her to bits and she's here to stay.

Hope you get your's sorted out ok mate.

Neil.

G-Restorations
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

neilmarton wrote:

Well I just got my first G as well ! (not showing off buddy and wouldn't wanna steal your thunder)

It's a 1986 280GE petrol Auto (RHD)

Gear change ? Dude that's a luxury !!!

SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW !!! That's my ol gurl !!!

She sat at 70mph on the motorway (flat) struggled and slowed when inclines occured (big hill low speed. down to 55 once flat out)

Excelleration on this little peach is a thing I fear that is only a dream.

Might be achievable in a G700 AMG brabus ?

GE280 petrol auto, Buy some comfy Altberg boots and walk it mate !

All that said I love her to bits and she's here to stay.

Hope you get your's sorted out ok mate.

Neil.

Oh dear  ..   There is a way;-)  

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Talk me through It ?

Neil.

 

G-Restorations
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

neilmarton wrote:

Talk me through It ?

Neil.

 

I've just finished putting a 24valve turbo diesel and a six speed manual box into a 280 auto. Total transformation 200 hp and 25-27 mpg

 

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Sounds like a quick, simple and cheap solution ?

And just how many of my earth pounds might that method of rectification cost me ?

 

 

G-Restorations
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

neilmarton wrote:

Sounds like a quick, simple and cheap solution ?

And just how many of my earth pounds might that method of rectification cost me ?

Is your truck manual 4 or 5 speed or auto?

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

She's Auto i'm afraid buddy !

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

G-Restorations wrote:

neilmarton wrote:

Sounds like a quick, simple and cheap solution ?

And just how many of my earth pounds might that method of rectification cost me ?

Is your truck manual 4 or 5 speed or auto?

Auto !

G-Restorations
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

 

The basic conversion on a 460 5 speed manual diesel is the easiest because everything is there on the car

​Your car petrol/ auto that means, pedal box, and propshaft have to be changed and glow plug wiring etc has to be added.

The basic conversion is £6200 yours would be £6700

​regards

Gordon 

 

 

 

 

Mountain Goat 7
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Or get yourself a G500!

It may be quite a bit more thirsty (16/17 mpg with my heavy right foot......) than one of Gordon's conversions but it really does shift and constantly surprises other cars at traffic lights etc smiley  

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

Mountain Goat 7 wrote:

Or get yourself a G500!

It may be quite a bit more thirsty (16/17 mpg with my heavy right foot......) than one of Gordon's conversions but it really does shift and constantly surprises other cars at traffic lights etc smiley  

I do have a little rocket ship hidden away which will also scare the shit out of anything off the lights !

But sadly my 280ge is slow beyond belief.

I simply do not believe it has been like that from new and think something is causing the restriction to performance. It has a badly fitted exhaust. and I think I need new plugs and airfilter ?

Would a new 304 SS exhaust system help ?

Mate if I had the 6700 that our old mucker has just mentioned I would have put it together with the cost of buying my W460 and bought that G500 !!! (although I think i'd need approx 40-50k to get my mits on a nice G500 ?)

I love it but it should go faster i'm sure it should ?

Neil.

 

neilmarton
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

G-Restorations wrote:

 

The basic conversion on a 460 5 speed manual diesel is the easiest because everything is there on the car

​Your car petrol/ auto that means, pedal box, and propshaft have to be changed and glow plug wiring etc has to be added.

The basic conversion is £6200 yours would be £6700

​regards

Gordon 

 

Hi Gordon,

Sounds nice ! Goes faster ! Costs almost the same as buying the bloody truck again !!!

Not an option I will be exploring in the near future. (But still an option if I get fed up with walking speed)

Neil.

 

 

zedmeister
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Re: W463 91 G300GE Auto - Slow gear change from cold

HIMRB, Did you manage to get your car sorted? It would be interesting to know what the issue is.