84 300D Towed 2 miles - trans wont shift?

I just towed my 1984 300 Turbodiesel about 2 miles at 20 mph without the engine running - After I got the engine started again, the car would not shift into 2nd gear. Does it ruin a transmission to tow a model 123 without the engine running? It has been very cold out (7 degrees F) and perhaps something inside the transmission is stuck. Anybody with any ideas on what might be going on with this transmission after being towed for that distance and speed?
-Levon-

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Body and Interior Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

W123

Update on my MB 123 Transmission problem...

Well, today, I drove the car, and was able to get it to shift into 2nd gear at 3,200 rpm - usually it shifts into 2nd gear at 2,000 rpm, so maybe it is just out of adjustment for some reason. It is still below 10 degrees F, so it is a bit cold to work on. There could be some frozen moisture or sluggish lubrication on the bowden cable or something...
-Levon-

Towing an automatic

Hi Levon, since the Mercedes automatic transmission oil pump is driven by the input shaft, when you tow an automatic the transmission does not get any oil flowing through it. That is not normally a problem with a short tow under 40 mph.

The tow combined with the cold may be the problem. You could have some of the valves in the valve body sticking. Wait until it warms up or place some type of (no flame) heater under the transmission pan to warm it up and then go drive. Consider switching to synthetic transmission fluid (especially under 20 degrees). Let us know what happens. Kent

Thanks for your reply Kent.

Thanks for your reply Kent. I had that very same impression. I have recently (2 months ago) pulled the transmission pan, and changed the filter and have new ATF. I just last week changed my PS filter and put in synthetic ATF and that made a nice difference. I will let it warm up before messing with it. I really feel it will be alright, as it was a very short, slow tow... Thanks for the info, hope you have a Merry Christmas - Possibly white if you want. I lived in the San Juans for 20 years before moving to Juneau. If it makes you feel any better, our blizzard started last night...
-Levon-

Try some Lucas oil

Try some Lucas oil transmission fix, this stuff works wonders, my Sons car would not go into reverse, or shift properly, it was slipping like crazy. I replaced the filter and fluid and still no difference then I added a quart of the Lucas transmission fix and withing 25 miles of driving the transmission stop slipping and went into reverse, it works like new again and that was over 10,000 miles ago now. thought for sure I would have to replace it or have it rebuilt, I swear by this stuff and now I use there Engine oil too.

Phil

Levon's Christmas update...

Well, on Christmas day, I drove around a little. It was cold, perhaps 12 degrees F. I warmed up the car for 1/2 hour, then drove. The car currently shifts into 2nd gear at 3,200 rpm, will not shift into 3rd up to 4,000 rpm. However, if I am moving down the road, I can wind it up to 3,000 rpm, nudge it into neutral, then click it back into 'D' and it will go right into 3rd gear. Then I can drive it up to 55 mph, 3,500 rpm, and it will not shift into 4th gear. I don't want to rev it up any higher than that.
Today, (day after Christmas) I don't want to drive, it is 32 degrees, so it is warmer outside, but we have 15 inches of snow every where. With crazy drivers to boot. Oh well. Take a day off...
Thanks for the tip, Phil, I will try some of that Lucas stuff. I have had good luck with their products before, I can take some existing fluid out and put that in, then change out my fluid when it works again. I think I will put in Mobil all Synthetic ATF when all is squared away.
Thanks Kent and Phil, I will keep you guys posted on progress. Something tells me it will work out alright.