Transmission problem won't go back to drive from neutral
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 319
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From: SoCal
C350 '12
Transmission problem won't go back to drive from neutral
I took my c230 04 coupe for an hour drive to Huntington Beach last night.
I would slide into Neutral to save gas -- sounds cheap but it seemed ridiculous to burn at five bucks a gallon on down hill.
I could not get it back into drive gear three times. This happened in traffic a few months ago. I had to pull off the freeway and restart to get it back in gear. I'm sorry, on my old MB I'd do this all the time. What is the problem?
It's only got 26k miles on it. What the heck? Is this the Valeo or Behr transmission problem?
I would slide into Neutral to save gas -- sounds cheap but it seemed ridiculous to burn at five bucks a gallon on down hill.
I could not get it back into drive gear three times. This happened in traffic a few months ago. I had to pull off the freeway and restart to get it back in gear. I'm sorry, on my old MB I'd do this all the time. What is the problem?
It's only got 26k miles on it. What the heck? Is this the Valeo or Behr transmission problem?
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I doubt that saves gas. I'm still new to the w203, but my w201 would completely stop the flow of fuel to the engine while coasting over a certain RPM. I would be fully confident that the w203 already does everything in its power to save gas.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 164
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From: bronx, ny
'05 C230 coupe auto
I do it all the time on my 2005 coupe.
This DOES work. Especially coming from someone who drove stick for 7 years. Very simple logic - when does a car burn more gas? When your motor spins at 2500 rpms or at 800? Do the math.
HOWEVER, I do experience that problem that you mentioned. Not often enough, but I would say like once a month or so. Then I just pull off to the side, come to a full stop and everything works fine.
Only, one thing you can't do is press the gas while shfting back to drive, that would mess up the tranny...
This DOES work. Especially coming from someone who drove stick for 7 years. Very simple logic - when does a car burn more gas? When your motor spins at 2500 rpms or at 800? Do the math.
HOWEVER, I do experience that problem that you mentioned. Not often enough, but I would say like once a month or so. Then I just pull off to the side, come to a full stop and everything works fine.
Only, one thing you can't do is press the gas while shfting back to drive, that would mess up the tranny...
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Do the coupes come with carburetors? I knew they had horrible re-sale value, but now it all makes sense...
The links below tell you exactly what I was telling you in my first post. Cars with advanced fuel injection DO NOT use gas while coasting. However, ALL cars use gas while idling. Like I was saying, even my 1985 190e had this feature!!!
Not only are you both causing trauma to your transmissions and being unsafe on the road ... you are using more fuel!!!
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...o/4230705.html
http://chunlick.blogspot.com/2008/05...-save-gas.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermiler
The links below tell you exactly what I was telling you in my first post. Cars with advanced fuel injection DO NOT use gas while coasting. However, ALL cars use gas while idling. Like I was saying, even my 1985 190e had this feature!!!
Not only are you both causing trauma to your transmissions and being unsafe on the road ... you are using more fuel!!!
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...o/4230705.html
http://chunlick.blogspot.com/2008/05...-save-gas.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermiler
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 319
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From: SoCal
C350 '12
Well, I didn't suck at driving a manual transmission Jetta for seven years before I got my 380SL and I used to glide in Neutral in that gas hog too.
You don't seem to understand that yes, of course because the car is on some gas is used.
My question is WHY can't I easily shift BACK to DRIVE from NEUTRAL?
I don't PUSH THE GAS when I'm coasting, but it does not easily come back into gear and I wonder if this is the Radiator Leak problem.
I'm sorry, you save gas coasting in Neutral. That is not my issue, my issue is why is it so hard to get back into gear?
You don't seem to understand that yes, of course because the car is on some gas is used.
My question is WHY can't I easily shift BACK to DRIVE from NEUTRAL?
I don't PUSH THE GAS when I'm coasting, but it does not easily come back into gear and I wonder if this is the Radiator Leak problem.
I'm sorry, you save gas coasting in Neutral. That is not my issue, my issue is why is it so hard to get back into gear?
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
This is a BAD idea. These transmission are not designed to be put into gear from neutral at any speed.
Feel free to do it. Feel free to face a hefty repair bill.
E
Feel free to do it. Feel free to face a hefty repair bill.
E
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I recently read some old posts regarding this exact issue. Apparently the automatic transmissions don't pump adequate fluid when in neutral, so coasting in neutral can potentially damage your transmission.
Do a general forum search for "coasting" and see the specifics. I can't remember the exact details, but I do recall more knowledgeable members calling the practice "false economy" when faced with the cost of a transmission repair.
I think I'd stop.
Do a general forum search for "coasting" and see the specifics. I can't remember the exact details, but I do recall more knowledgeable members calling the practice "false economy" when faced with the cost of a transmission repair.
I think I'd stop.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: SoCal
C350 '12
If that is true, it sucks. Thanks for the information.
I wonder if it also has to do with the fake manual transmission thing on these auto transmissions? My service rep seemed to think I may have been accidently bumping it into the fake "manual" mode.
I wonder if it also has to do with the fake manual transmission thing on these auto transmissions? My service rep seemed to think I may have been accidently bumping it into the fake "manual" mode.
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here it is: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21710.htm
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
You're not going to make your automatic transmission into a manual simply by wishing for it. If you wanted a manual, you should have bought one; they exist, and my brother has one.
The mechanics are completely different, and trying to save a couple mpg on a downhill is just going to cost you much more in the end in a new tranny.
The manual mode for the tranny does nothing more than try to (if it thinks it's a good idea) keep you in a gear range. That's it. Selecting 4th gear from a standstill isn't going to get you into 4th gear; at best it gets you into 2nd (maybe). This is not SMG.
What's probably happening is that a safety cut-off for preventing drop-in shifting (for those people who try to do 180s or just "accidentally" drop their cars into drive from reverse while still traveling backwards) is kicking in, trying to keep you from destroying your tranny.
Hypermiling basics (light throttle manipulation, even acceleration) are great for people who drive like speedfreaks all the time, but the "advanced techniques" are about as thought-out as pop psychology, and just about as stupid. Taking a turn listed at 25 at 50? Overinflating your tires? Turning off your engine traveling behind a semi, despite not running the pumps for the brakes and power steering? Why don't you just walk instead of trying to kill me on my daily commute?
It's the best gas savings of all: infinity miles per gallon!
The mechanics are completely different, and trying to save a couple mpg on a downhill is just going to cost you much more in the end in a new tranny.
The manual mode for the tranny does nothing more than try to (if it thinks it's a good idea) keep you in a gear range. That's it. Selecting 4th gear from a standstill isn't going to get you into 4th gear; at best it gets you into 2nd (maybe). This is not SMG.
What's probably happening is that a safety cut-off for preventing drop-in shifting (for those people who try to do 180s or just "accidentally" drop their cars into drive from reverse while still traveling backwards) is kicking in, trying to keep you from destroying your tranny.
Hypermiling basics (light throttle manipulation, even acceleration) are great for people who drive like speedfreaks all the time, but the "advanced techniques" are about as thought-out as pop psychology, and just about as stupid. Taking a turn listed at 25 at 50? Overinflating your tires? Turning off your engine traveling behind a semi, despite not running the pumps for the brakes and power steering? Why don't you just walk instead of trying to kill me on my daily commute?
It's the best gas savings of all: infinity miles per gallon!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
You're not going to make your automatic transmission into a manual simply by wishing for it. If you wanted a manual, you should have bought one; they exist, and my brother has one.
The mechanics are completely different, and trying to save a couple mpg on a downhill is just going to cost you much more in the end in a new tranny.
The manual mode for the tranny does nothing more than try to (if it thinks it's a good idea) keep you in a gear range. That's it. Selecting 4th gear from a standstill isn't going to get you into 4th gear; at best it gets you into 2nd (maybe). This is not SMG.
What's probably happening is that a safety cut-off for preventing drop-in shifting (for those people who try to do 180s or just "accidentally" drop their cars into drive from reverse while still traveling backwards) is kicking in, trying to keep you from destroying your tranny.
Hypermiling basics (light throttle manipulation, even acceleration) are great for people who drive like speedfreaks all the time, but the "advanced techniques" are about as thought-out as pop psychology, and just about as stupid. Taking a turn listed at 25 at 50? Overinflating your tires? Turning off your engine traveling behind a semi, despite not running the pumps for the brakes and power steering? Why don't you just walk instead of trying to kill me on my daily commute?
It's the best gas savings of all: infinity miles per gallon!
The mechanics are completely different, and trying to save a couple mpg on a downhill is just going to cost you much more in the end in a new tranny.
The manual mode for the tranny does nothing more than try to (if it thinks it's a good idea) keep you in a gear range. That's it. Selecting 4th gear from a standstill isn't going to get you into 4th gear; at best it gets you into 2nd (maybe). This is not SMG.
What's probably happening is that a safety cut-off for preventing drop-in shifting (for those people who try to do 180s or just "accidentally" drop their cars into drive from reverse while still traveling backwards) is kicking in, trying to keep you from destroying your tranny.
Hypermiling basics (light throttle manipulation, even acceleration) are great for people who drive like speedfreaks all the time, but the "advanced techniques" are about as thought-out as pop psychology, and just about as stupid. Taking a turn listed at 25 at 50? Overinflating your tires? Turning off your engine traveling behind a semi, despite not running the pumps for the brakes and power steering? Why don't you just walk instead of trying to kill me on my daily commute?
It's the best gas savings of all: infinity miles per gallon!
I agree with what you have said. But on one point I disagree.
I have overfilled my tires since having my car. The manufacture recommend PSI is simply too low for my tastes. Perhaps I am getting some minor increase in mileage, but, I do it more for the enhanced feel of the road.
E
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
On second thought, you need to take some basic auto shop classes. Obviously, if you thought putting the car in neutral was going to save gas, running higher rpm's in a lower gear is, by your logic, going to have the opposite effect.
Do your car a favor, let the computer in the car work for you. It surely knows better than you. Don't shift into neutral when the car is moving and just let the motor "idle" at its lowest rpm (in drive) when coasting down hill.
Wow.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 319
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From: SoCal
C350 '12
I admit I am dumb.
I am a girl, guys, remember?
I just did not understand until you all patiently explained it to me. I was getting mad at my car.
Thank you. I do need to learn how to do the fake manual and If I could have found a real manual transmission, I would have jumped on it.
I am a girl, guys, remember?
I just did not understand until you all patiently explained it to me. I was getting mad at my car.
Thank you. I do need to learn how to do the fake manual and If I could have found a real manual transmission, I would have jumped on it.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
I admit I am dumb.
I am a girl, guys, remember?
I just did not understand until you all patiently explained it to me. I was getting mad at my car.
Thank you. I do need to learn how to do the fake manual and If I could have found a real manual transmission, I would have jumped on it.
I am a girl, guys, remember?
I just did not understand until you all patiently explained it to me. I was getting mad at my car.
Thank you. I do need to learn how to do the fake manual and If I could have found a real manual transmission, I would have jumped on it.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Newport Coast, CA
makes your daughter horny
Putting the car in neutral definately saves gas. You can coast a LOT quicker in neutral down a hill than in 5th. There have been times where I could not maintain speed down a small hill in 5th but when I put it in neutral I actually gained speed.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
I do believe that the car is best left to its own though. Coasting in neutral is dangerous and bad for the car too. I suppose we just have to live the mileage we have. If we want better, than we need to purchase Hybrids and "coast" electronically.
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From: undisclosed location
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Not dumb, ignorant. We're all ignorant about something. That's why we search the forums and ask questions.
There is still a whole lot about my c230 I don't know. These forums are a wealth of knowledge and most of the people are happy to help.
Apparently this is a pretty good place for the occasional p*ssing contest as well.
There is still a whole lot about my c230 I don't know. These forums are a wealth of knowledge and most of the people are happy to help.
Apparently this is a pretty good place for the occasional p*ssing contest as well.
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 164
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From: bronx, ny
'05 C230 coupe auto
Can anybody explain to me why coasting is bad?
I could understand the implication with an auto transmission regarding the tranny fluid etc.
But why is it bad with a stick transmission? You don't mess the car in any way if you throw it to neutral...I had about 5 cars with stick shift and always did that. NEVER had a problem with it.
I could understand that doing it in rain or snow is not good cause if you loose control of the car you won't catch it back or it'd very hard. However, why doing it in dry weather is bad when you have stick?
I could understand the implication with an auto transmission regarding the tranny fluid etc.
But why is it bad with a stick transmission? You don't mess the car in any way if you throw it to neutral...I had about 5 cars with stick shift and always did that. NEVER had a problem with it.
I could understand that doing it in rain or snow is not good cause if you loose control of the car you won't catch it back or it'd very hard. However, why doing it in dry weather is bad when you have stick?
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Can anybody explain to me why coasting is bad?
I could understand the implication with an auto transmission regarding the tranny fluid etc.
But why is it bad with a stick transmission? You don't mess the car in any way if you throw it to neutral...I had about 5 cars with stick shift and always did that. NEVER had a problem with it.
I could understand that doing it in rain or snow is not good cause if you loose control of the car you won't catch it back or it'd very hard. However, why doing it in dry weather is bad when you have stick?
I could understand the implication with an auto transmission regarding the tranny fluid etc.
But why is it bad with a stick transmission? You don't mess the car in any way if you throw it to neutral...I had about 5 cars with stick shift and always did that. NEVER had a problem with it.
I could understand that doing it in rain or snow is not good cause if you loose control of the car you won't catch it back or it'd very hard. However, why doing it in dry weather is bad when you have stick?
