1986 560 SEL transmission starts out in 2nd...

[jwwhitejr92057]

Hi,
When I put the car into drive, the car starts out in 2nd gear, rather than 1st. I can manually shift the transmission into 1st and it responds correctly. Also, when in drive, if I punch the gas, the tranny downshifts correctly into first, then away I fly. Just wondering if anyone knows how bad of a problem this is...

It would seem that a solenoid or something is not working quite right. I'm not anxious to take it to a shop for fear they'll try to take me for thousands. I only spent $300 for the car (distress sale by a friend who needed cash). It has 156k miles. Otherwise, beautiful car and can tolerate the minor inconvenience of manual/forced downshifts to 1st when desired. Let me know if anyone has any ideas...

Thanks, Joe

[jerryls]

I think that's normal operation for these cars. At least my 1991 300SE is like that.

[eclass]

normal