1991 240 DL 211K miles. It runs normally until recent cold weather/cold start. It cranks and start up with no problem in cold morning. It refuses to switch gear even I step on gas and can hear the engine racing. It remains at about 25 mph and will not go any faster. It stays on first gear until the temp. gauge goes up to about 1/4 of the mark, then it runs and goes up to higher gear as it accelerates. Thanks in advance for any suggestions/pointers.

 

check the transmission fluid, and if its at all brown, flush your transmission thoroughly refilling with fresh ATF. hopefully this will unstick the transmission.

check the transmission 'kickdown' cable, make sure this has juts a touch of slack at idle, and that the little 'bead' on the cable is just before the end of the ferrule on the adjuster. with the car off, advance the throttle all the way wide open, and you should feel a distinct 'notch' or 'cam' action before its finally floored.