Transmission won't shift into reverse when hot?

Tiny
STEVE ZIVOVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 MERCEDES BENZ 560SEC
  • 148,000 MILES
Trans shifts fine when trans fluid cold. It shifts fine in forward gears when hot and at any speed. However, after driving for about 10 miles or so, when the trans fluid is hot (normal operating temp), when shift lever placed in reverse, no movement. In fact, if on a slight incline, with the shift lever in reverse, the car will roll forward as if it is in neutral. I had an independent MB shop change fluid and fluid filter, drove for a few days, no change, they then flushed the trans fluid again under pressure (did not remove the transmission pan), replaced shift rods bushings and the modulator, and send me on my way. There was some improvement, but the car still won't go in reverse after the trans fluid gets hot. After the car sits for a few hoursd, then I can back up the car, again until the fluid gets hot, then the car won't go backwards. The shop said I need trans rebuild at about $2500.00. This is after they already took about $700.00 from me.
Question: is ther any other alternative other then rebuild? Also, I hear some "buzzing" once in a while from the floorboards, like trans fluid pumping?
Friday, April 20th, 2012 AT 10:57 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,054 POSTS
Hello,

This is what happens when the internal transmission seals have worn out, when they get hot they stop working typical of a worn out transmission. Its too bad they didn't realize this before doing the work.

Call around to see if anyone can do it for less but that sounds like the going rate.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, May 29th, 2017 AT 10:09 PM

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