Mercedes Benz repair: 1986 Merz 300SDL A/T, vacuum modulator, vacuum line


Question
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Followup To
Question -
236000 miles.  Recently serviced including A/T. Bands were adjusted/tightened. Won't shift out of 1st gear until 4300 RPM +-.  Any ideas?  And could it be something I could fix at home (I've worked on my own cars for several years but I'm not a pro).  
Thank you, LF
Answer -
Did you do the adjustment or did a shop do the work. Sounds like they are too tight. Also the vacuum modulator could be bad or disconnected. If there is no vacuum it won't shift.

Follow up:  Thanks for getting back to me.  A shop did the work.  It was done several months ago and it shifted OK at first.  But, the car has been sitting for several weeks mostly, only driven to keep the battery and fluids etc. moving.  The problem was evident the last few times I've driven it and doesn't seem to be improving on it's own.  Bare in mind that it does shift if the RPMs are around 4300. Does that tell you that it's not a vacuum issue?  If the bands are too tight, the shop may take responsibility.  If it's the other things you mentioned, are they external so that I may be able to adjust/replace something?  Thanks again. I appreciate your help.  LF

Answer
It does sound like vacuum. The modulator is an external part and is fairly easy to replace. Follow the vacuum line from the engine to the transmission and you will find the modulator. New ones are fairly inexpensive. It is usually three or four bolts holding is on. Once repalced there are no adjustments.