Transmission Issues...Please help!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 110
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C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
Transmission Issues...Please help!
Hi All,
I have been having transmission probs and I am worried about my car.
I posted this in tech talk but figured i should repost it here as well in case you guys dont' check that section of the forums too often:
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-tech-talk/191679-transmission-contaminated-coolant.html
<<Hi,
I have a 2003 c class currently at the dealer for rough shifting (accelerating 1st gear-2nd, & coming to a stop 2-1) with an audible thud/clunk sound.
This is the 3rd tiem my car has been in the shop for this issue. First time was Dec 2006: transmission fluid leak was found and fixed with transmission fluid replaced. Clunking did not resolve.
2nd time in shop about 2 weeks ago: valve body conductor plate replaced: clunking still not resolved.
3rd time in shop (now): SA informed me that coolant was found in the tranny and they will replace only the torque converter and radiator, but not the transmission.
I have read on the forums here that people with similar issues have had the transmission replaced as well.
According to this TSB https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost.p...83&postcount=3
Tranny is only replaced if glycol contamination exceeds 400 mg/liter.
SA could not tell me what the exact level of contamination is on my car. I called today and requested this info. I asked why the tech decided not to change the transmission and response i got was
"Because it doesn't need to be changed."
My concern is: Aren't the results of the glycol test inaccurate since my trans fluid was changed back in December?
Do i need the trans replaced?
Please advise. Thanks.>>
<< picked up my car. So far no more clunking sound, but the 2-1 downshift feels jerky.
According to the invoice: TEST AND REPAIRS PER DTB-P-B-27.55/50F PERF GLYCOL TEST. FOUND GLYCOL OVER 400 PPM."
In summary, the radiator and torque converter were replaced and the transmission was flushed.
Again, referring to post https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost.p...83&postcount=3
The transmission should be replaced if glycol is over 400, but i notice that is according to P-B-27.55/50a whereas on my invoice it seems to be an updated version P-B-27.55/50F
Can anyone please confirm that P-B-27.55/50F no longer calls for replacement of the transmission?
Thanks.>>
Will my transmission be ok even though it was exposed to so much coolant for who knows how long?
Car has ~21000 miles on it and warranty expires in June.
Thank you for reading all of this and thank you for any and all feedback/comments.
I have been having transmission probs and I am worried about my car.
I posted this in tech talk but figured i should repost it here as well in case you guys dont' check that section of the forums too often:
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-tech-talk/191679-transmission-contaminated-coolant.html
<<Hi,
I have a 2003 c class currently at the dealer for rough shifting (accelerating 1st gear-2nd, & coming to a stop 2-1) with an audible thud/clunk sound.
This is the 3rd tiem my car has been in the shop for this issue. First time was Dec 2006: transmission fluid leak was found and fixed with transmission fluid replaced. Clunking did not resolve.
2nd time in shop about 2 weeks ago: valve body conductor plate replaced: clunking still not resolved.
3rd time in shop (now): SA informed me that coolant was found in the tranny and they will replace only the torque converter and radiator, but not the transmission.
I have read on the forums here that people with similar issues have had the transmission replaced as well.
According to this TSB https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost.p...83&postcount=3
Tranny is only replaced if glycol contamination exceeds 400 mg/liter.
SA could not tell me what the exact level of contamination is on my car. I called today and requested this info. I asked why the tech decided not to change the transmission and response i got was
"Because it doesn't need to be changed."
My concern is: Aren't the results of the glycol test inaccurate since my trans fluid was changed back in December?
Do i need the trans replaced?
Please advise. Thanks.>>
<< picked up my car. So far no more clunking sound, but the 2-1 downshift feels jerky.
According to the invoice: TEST AND REPAIRS PER DTB-P-B-27.55/50F PERF GLYCOL TEST. FOUND GLYCOL OVER 400 PPM."
In summary, the radiator and torque converter were replaced and the transmission was flushed.
Again, referring to post https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost.p...83&postcount=3
The transmission should be replaced if glycol is over 400, but i notice that is according to P-B-27.55/50a whereas on my invoice it seems to be an updated version P-B-27.55/50F
Can anyone please confirm that P-B-27.55/50F no longer calls for replacement of the transmission?
Thanks.>>
Will my transmission be ok even though it was exposed to so much coolant for who knows how long?
Car has ~21000 miles on it and warranty expires in June.
Thank you for reading all of this and thank you for any and all feedback/comments.
Last edited by REX0000; Apr 28, 2007 at 03:53 AM.
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Make them resolve the problems. Keep taking it back until you are satisfied. If it needs a new transmission do it, get the area tech rep involved if you must. BTW, if you have a documented problem before warranty expires they will/should still cover it after warranty if the time lapse isn't too outrageous.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
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From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
hey,
Ive been having rough shifts in my coupe as well, I have a 03 320 with 39600 miles.
Shifting is harsh, especially from 2nd to 3rd theres a jerk.
I would continue with the dealers till they resolve this, I also had a tranny leak. let us know if theres any updates!
Ive been having rough shifts in my coupe as well, I have a 03 320 with 39600 miles.
Shifting is harsh, especially from 2nd to 3rd theres a jerk.
I would continue with the dealers till they resolve this, I also had a tranny leak. let us know if theres any updates!
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
So, what was the item that caused this tragedy?
The radiator?
I noticed a new rad. can be had online for less than $200.
I've been considering doing it, but was disappointed to find it's not an
item thats listed in my newly acquired service DVD as an R&R.
Arrgh. With tranny fittings to deal with etc.
it would be nice if there was a DIY out there.
'course i'm on a 2002, but this seems this can be a car killer.
The radiator?
I noticed a new rad. can be had online for less than $200.
I've been considering doing it, but was disappointed to find it's not an
item thats listed in my newly acquired service DVD as an R&R.
Arrgh. With tranny fittings to deal with etc.
it would be nice if there was a DIY out there.
'course i'm on a 2002, but this seems this can be a car killer.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
So, what was the item that caused this tragedy?
The radiator?
I noticed a new rad. can be had online for less than $200.
I've been considering doing it, but was disappointed to find it's not an
item thats listed in my newly acquired service DVD as an R&R.
Arrgh. With tranny fittings to deal with etc.
it would be nice if there was a DIY out there.
'course i'm on a 2002, but this seems this can be a car killer.
The radiator?
I noticed a new rad. can be had online for less than $200.
I've been considering doing it, but was disappointed to find it's not an
item thats listed in my newly acquired service DVD as an R&R.
Arrgh. With tranny fittings to deal with etc.
it would be nice if there was a DIY out there.
'course i'm on a 2002, but this seems this can be a car killer.
Yes it was a defective Valeo radiator. The tech told me the 2003 models are affected. He replaced it with an updated Valeo radiator.
2002 C32's have had this defective Valeo radiator as well (coolant in the transmission problem) so there are numerous posts in the C32 section about this such as
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=valeo
Also, there's a post here with a 2003 clk 320 owner having the same problem I have https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=valeo
So I guess 2003 C class drivers, please pay careful attention to possible transmission issues you might be having. It could be due to this defective radiator, with glycol getting into the transmission.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Redding, California
AMG GTS
Damnit...I thought it would never hit me!!!
Agh well guys...I have heard all about the "shaking at idle" and hard shifting from here to there. I have been lucky the past 34,000 miles in my '03 C230 Komp (sedan). Recently though, throughout this past weekend, I felt harder down shifts and up shifts (specially from 3rd to 2nd).
A thing that really concerns me though is this event:
I was in the parking lot finding parking to go eat at Sizzler's and I ride my car in "W" (or for some of you, "C") mode now. So I was in 2nd gear around 15mph or so about to get into my parking spot, and all of a sudden I feel a shudder for 2 seconds (I don't know how else to describe it except this way...which most manual trans. drivers would know....the shudder was similar to that feel when you're in a low speed attempting to accelerate but you have it in a high gear). This shudder happened about 3 times this weekend and it has me worried. I am doing a transmission flush soon...but I am also wondering (reason I chose to post on this thread) who else has had this "Defective Valeo Radiator" problem? Because I am hoping day in day out I don't have it...warranty just ran up about 5 months ago.
A thing that really concerns me though is this event:
I was in the parking lot finding parking to go eat at Sizzler's and I ride my car in "W" (or for some of you, "C") mode now. So I was in 2nd gear around 15mph or so about to get into my parking spot, and all of a sudden I feel a shudder for 2 seconds (I don't know how else to describe it except this way...which most manual trans. drivers would know....the shudder was similar to that feel when you're in a low speed attempting to accelerate but you have it in a high gear). This shudder happened about 3 times this weekend and it has me worried. I am doing a transmission flush soon...but I am also wondering (reason I chose to post on this thread) who else has had this "Defective Valeo Radiator" problem? Because I am hoping day in day out I don't have it...warranty just ran up about 5 months ago.
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My car shuddered again.
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
weird,
I have a 2003 and never had that problem, or any other major problem like that for that matter.
I've heard about those VALEO radiators before, but thought it was only a C32 issue. If you guys can scan in the relevant paperwork in this thread, then it will be easier for us down the line that may have similiar problems to go back to the dealer and get warranty-based repairs despite the warranty time running out based on historical documented problems.
Thanks.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
I have a 2003 and never had that problem, or any other major problem like that for that matter.
I've heard about those VALEO radiators before, but thought it was only a C32 issue. If you guys can scan in the relevant paperwork in this thread, then it will be easier for us down the line that may have similiar problems to go back to the dealer and get warranty-based repairs despite the warranty time running out based on historical documented problems.
Thanks.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
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From: Long Island, NY
C3Twon AWD Jumpofffff
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
weird,
I have a 2003 and never had that problem, or any other major problem like that for that matter.
I've heard about those VALEO radiators before, but thought it was only a C32 issue. If you guys can scan in the relevant paperwork in this thread, then it will be easier for us down the line that may have similiar problems to go back to the dealer and get warranty-based repairs despite the warranty time running out based on historical documented problems.
Thanks.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
I have a 2003 and never had that problem, or any other major problem like that for that matter.
I've heard about those VALEO radiators before, but thought it was only a C32 issue. If you guys can scan in the relevant paperwork in this thread, then it will be easier for us down the line that may have similiar problems to go back to the dealer and get warranty-based repairs despite the warranty time running out based on historical documented problems.
Thanks.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Please post paperwork. Also, links to TSB in thread above don't work. It would be great if you could fix those also. Those of us with '03s that haven't had problems (yet) will appreciate it.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 110
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C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
TSB for P-B-27.55/50a
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....83&postcount=3
I will work on getting the paperwork posted but please give me some time...
BTW, if u look at the W203 Technical Service Bulletins sticky,
P-B-27.55/50a appears to apply to 2001-2004 c-class models.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....83&postcount=3
I will work on getting the paperwork posted but please give me some time...
BTW, if u look at the W203 Technical Service Bulletins sticky,
P-B-27.55/50a appears to apply to 2001-2004 c-class models.
Thread Starter
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Posts: 110
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C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
more issues
Tonite when i came to a stop, the car started shakinig and engine sounds weird at idle, like it's hesitating or something. I didn't feel safe driving it so i pulled over and shut the car off. I restarted after a few minutes, but nothing changed. No CEL or other error messages. I can't comment on how the shaking changes with acceleration because I pulled over ASAP.
I had the car towed back to my place and will have it towed to the dealer in the morning.
Is there a chance this is transmission related?
I had the car towed back to my place and will have it towed to the dealer in the morning.
Is there a chance this is transmission related?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 110
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C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
Update
Tonite when i came to a stop, the car started shakinig and engine sounds weird at idle, like it's hesitating or something. I didn't feel safe driving it so i pulled over and shut the car off. I restarted after a few minutes, but nothing changed. No CEL or other error messages. I can't comment on how the shaking changes with acceleration because I pulled over ASAP.
I had the car towed back to my place and will have it towed to the dealer in the morning.
Is there a chance this is transmission related?
I had the car towed back to my place and will have it towed to the dealer in the morning.
Is there a chance this is transmission related?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
Paperwork pics
My apologies for not getting the images up sooner. 2 years & 8000 miles later, car is still running ok.
Last edited by REX0000; Jun 8, 2009 at 06:00 AM.
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ml#post3568073
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 110
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C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
Glad to hear its running good. I'm going threw the same thing now and there are other people reporting same issue on the CLK thread
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ml#post3568073
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ml#post3568073
Let us know how the glycol test turns out. I think if there is glycol , symptoms can be wide & varied depending on how much damage has been done. In my case, besides the rough shifts/thud sounds, most of the time the Signs were very subtle, which is why it took me several visits before it was finally diagnosed. The subtle signs i had: around 2000-2500 RPM when the shift from 1st to 2nd gear occurs, sometimes it would feel like the gears shifted too soon. (Sometimes but not always associated with a rough shift). Also, when coming to a stop, when the car shifts from 2nd to 1st, right when the car is about to come to a stop i could feel a strange vibration through the brake pedal, I believe you could also hear a vibrating type sound too. These symptoms rarely occured shortly after a cold start, but they eventually became consistently reproducible if the car had been driven for at least an hour ( i guess to give the tranny time to reach a certain critical temperature). I finally had a tech ride with me so he could experience my concerns, and when I came to a stop, he heard the weird/felt the weird vibration and suspected glycol contamination.
Thread Starter
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C230 coupe 2003, 2014 GLK350, 2020 GLC63
I recently brought my car to the dealer for maintenance work, and to inspect some rough shifting I've been experiencing in stop/go traffic.... My heart sank when my SA called and told me I have glycol contamination again(>300mg/L)! This is now ~3 yrs and 10K miles after my radiator & torque convertor were replaced under warranty in April 2007 for glycol contamination. The 2007 repair was done at a different dealership in SoCal.
The dealer's suggested repair is to replace radiator, torque convertor, & the transmission which would cost approx $7000. I mentioned to my SA that repairs were previously done under warranty, so he is now getting the regional rep involved. I had to provide records of the 2007 repairs. Good thing I kept them. My SA's been great at keeping me updated. My understanding is the regional rep is communicating w/ the SoCal rep & SoCal Dealer at this time...so still waiting to hear if MBUSA will help me out on the repairs in some way.
Not sure how long the trans will last
The dealer's suggested repair is to replace radiator, torque convertor, & the transmission which would cost approx $7000. I mentioned to my SA that repairs were previously done under warranty, so he is now getting the regional rep involved. I had to provide records of the 2007 repairs. Good thing I kept them. My SA's been great at keeping me updated. My understanding is the regional rep is communicating w/ the SoCal rep & SoCal Dealer at this time...so still waiting to hear if MBUSA will help me out on the repairs in some way.
Not sure how long the trans will last
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
You are kidding, right? How is that even possible? Did they replace the radiator with same faulty version or used duct tape to patch up the leak? and only after 10k miles? WTF this is absurd and totally unacceptable. You got me warred now big time. I only put on about 2k miles on my from the August 09 repair and so far so good but that's most likely is just burning in the new components. I did have a small trans fluid leak but supposedly per my mechanic, the dealer does not change some gasket when doing this and once he changed it, there are no more leaks. Saved me the trouble of going to the dealer. Please keep us all posted. There was a word of Class action lawsuit but I have not heard any news on the progress.
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From: Chicago (Palos Park)
2023 CLA 250, 2021 GLC43, 2003 CLK320
by the way here is my thread about this issue in the w209 section
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...eels-area.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...eels-area.html
