C320 CDI getting stuck in gear
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
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From: Cape Town, South Africa
2006 C320 CDI
C320 CDI getting stuck in gear
Hi
Every now and then my 2006 C320 get's stuck in a gear. I think it gears down from that gear but won't gear higher.
I'm not sure what triggers it but I resolve it by pulling over, turning off and starting again. Then it is fine again.
It happens about once a month, though it happened twice in the last week.
Any ideas on this?
Cheers
Louis
Every now and then my 2006 C320 get's stuck in a gear. I think it gears down from that gear but won't gear higher.
I'm not sure what triggers it but I resolve it by pulling over, turning off and starting again. Then it is fine again.
It happens about once a month, though it happened twice in the last week.
Any ideas on this?
Cheers
Louis
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 712
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From: chicago
2005 c230 kompressor 2003 s500 94 wrangler
go on ebay and buy a transmission dipstick for 17 dollars and check it yourself
i had the same problem i added fluid and it solve it
if u have no codes in the car then its not the conduct plate
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
It sounds as though it is going into limp mode. Service the transmission & ensure proper fluid level & get them to check the electrohydraulic bush (where the TCU plugs into the transmission) for leaks. If this fails to fix the problem it could be the conductor plate or bad speed sensor. This can be easily identified with a Star diagnostic machine.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
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From: Cape Town, South Africa
2006 C320 CDI
Thanks for the replies.
Yes, car was in for general service and they didn't have time to address this problem as well. Am going to take it in agian for them to check these out. The guy gave me his opinion in terms of what he thinks but we need to take it back so they can check it out.
Also I'm curious if this is shown on the star diag machine, will it say when the problem appeared. Also if the problem appeared before my service plan ran out. I'm curious as they didn't inform me of any issues on the car when it ran out (2 or so months ago).
Glyn where do you service your car? Been using Culemborg for convenience but their service advisors are'n very professional. Don't call back, don't respond to emails. Have to keep emailing them etc.
Yes, car was in for general service and they didn't have time to address this problem as well. Am going to take it in agian for them to check these out. The guy gave me his opinion in terms of what he thinks but we need to take it back so they can check it out.
Also I'm curious if this is shown on the star diag machine, will it say when the problem appeared. Also if the problem appeared before my service plan ran out. I'm curious as they didn't inform me of any issues on the car when it ran out (2 or so months ago).
Glyn where do you service your car? Been using Culemborg for convenience but their service advisors are'n very professional. Don't call back, don't respond to emails. Have to keep emailing them etc.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I use Culemborg. They know me well there. I've bought 3 cars in a row from them. They allow me in the workshop & to monitor my car during service & cleaning. I get top service from them & their attitude has always been that "I own a couple of bricks in the building." They are part of Sandown Motor Group & owned by MBSA.
Stanley was their finest Service Manager but the new guy is good. If you have any nonsense speak directly to him. Star will likely show the problem. It will record any limp activity. The car has some on board memory which should be sufficient.
Good luck!
Century City MB (same group) is also good.
If out of warranty/Mobilodrive you can always go direct to Stanley Wilkinson.
Stanley was their finest Service Manager but the new guy is good. If you have any nonsense speak directly to him. Star will likely show the problem. It will record any limp activity. The car has some on board memory which should be sufficient.
Good luck!
Century City MB (same group) is also good.
If out of warranty/Mobilodrive you can always go direct to Stanley Wilkinson.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Austin, TX
07 C230 (sold) 2009 E63 AMG (SOLD), 2015 E 63 AMG S
It might be your conductor plate, my car was stuck in 3rd gear. Pull over cycle your key whenever that happens, that should work. I work at a MB dealership and the tech told me it was some what common on w203s
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Cape Town, South Africa
2006 C320 CDI
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 318
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2006 C230 SS
So Glynn or anyone, for the conductor/valvebody/transmission would it ever get to a point where the they just stop working?
From what an indy mechanic told me, the problem won't get to a point where it's so bad that reflashing the software would not fix.
my problem is easily avoidable, but if the car get in limp mode when there's a check engine light, the car would be stuck in limp mode even if i restart the car. I would have to reflash the software to get it out of limp mode. My indy only charge me $40 to reflash, so I think it's better than paying $2000+ to get it fix for now. It only happened like twice a year.
I've been lucky enough to avoid this problem for 1-2 years, waiting to finish pay it off to trade it in. But I was thinking of just buying a STAR diagnostic system off the forum for cheap and just reflash whenever it get stuck in limp mode (if i keep the car).
From what an indy mechanic told me, the problem won't get to a point where it's so bad that reflashing the software would not fix.
my problem is easily avoidable, but if the car get in limp mode when there's a check engine light, the car would be stuck in limp mode even if i restart the car. I would have to reflash the software to get it out of limp mode. My indy only charge me $40 to reflash, so I think it's better than paying $2000+ to get it fix for now. It only happened like twice a year.
I've been lucky enough to avoid this problem for 1-2 years, waiting to finish pay it off to trade it in. But I was thinking of just buying a STAR diagnostic system off the forum for cheap and just reflash whenever it get stuck in limp mode (if i keep the car).
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 318
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2006 C230 SS
Mines is the 6 speed 722.9 transmission. They won't fix just the plate and require a new valve body. My indy called his buddy from the dealership and said they might try to tell me my whole transmission is bad.
Either way a $40 fix over a $2000 job. I actually service the transmission at 42,000 miles.
Either way a $40 fix over a $2000 job. I actually service the transmission at 42,000 miles.
