Won't get into gear

[Jenno1981]

Hi guys,

Had my 450SEL off the road for a month or so, went to get her going and I can't select a gear. When I shift it into reverse or drive the revs drop a little (as per normal) but the car won't move.

If I rev a little then change the car rolls about a foot but not under any great amount of power.

Thoughts on the issue and where should I take her (in Melbourne) if I can't do it myself?

Cheers,

Jenno

[Greg]

Hi,

There is a ball valve in the transmission that prevents oil draining out the Torque Converter with engine off. If this valve leaks then there is no drive pressure until the T/C is filled up with oil. This can take two to three minutes of idle time or longer if the filter is dirty or oil level is low.
IF drive pressure is restored after a few minutes of idle then you should check the filter and oil level. Its not possible to replace or repair the valve as its located inside the gear box housing.

My 280SE does this every time it is parked for more than about two weeks, I know its gonna do this so I just let it idle a few minutes.

Greg

[oversize]

I find it hard to believe a valve cannot be accessed for repairs.  If it was put in during assembly it should be able to be removed/repaired.

Check the fluid levels and for any external leaks.  If the problem persists check things like the park brake driveshaft and diff.  If you find nothing check the selector is operating properly and then have the operating pressures checked.  If the pressures are wrong she'll need a rebuild or changeover trans

[Jenno1981]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Transmission fluid had drained, I'm thinking a serious leak as I topped it up approx 6 months ago and had not checked it. Unless it has something to do with flushing the coolant I just completed.....? (Connected in any way?). Thd only puzzling thing is that my garage floor is not covered in tran fluid....
Cheers,
Jenno

[oversize]

Is it blowing lots of smoke?  Could be the modulator

[daantjie]

Check your trans cooler lines, could be that you had a slice in the flexible hose(s) somehow, that will bleed out your fluid in no time.  Good time to replace them anyway, they are pretty cheap and helluva good insurance against a fried trans!

[Jenno1981]

No smoke Oversize and appears to be running fine (apart from the hole in the radiator!). Trans fluid is maintaining level but I have not been turning it over much due to the radiator.I'll keep you posted!
Jenno

[Jenno1981]

Trans cooler in the radiator was leaking.... not good. Currently flushing and attaching an external trans cooler.