Tranny downshifting during braking?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
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From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Tranny downshifting during braking?
My wife's '06 C230 sometimes seems to downshift rather abruptly. When it happens, you can plainly feel it. It sort of feels like engine braking while my foot is on the brake. There is no change in the feel of the brake pedal. It doesn't happen every time but it happens occasionally. I have the tranny fluid changed roughly every 40,000 - 60,000 miles. There are almost 110,000 miles on it now..
Does anybody have any ideas about what might be happening?
Does anybody have any ideas about what might be happening?
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
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C230
My wife's '06 C230 sometimes seems to downshift rather abruptly. When it happens, you can plainly feel it. It sort of feels like engine braking while my foot is on the brake. There is no change in the feel of the brake pedal. It doesn't happen every time but it happens occasionally. I have the tranny fluid changed roughly every 40,000 - 60,000 miles. There are almost 110,000 miles on it now..
Does anybody have any ideas about what might be happening?
Does anybody have any ideas about what might be happening?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Thanks for the reply Merc. I was really hoping it would be because the fluid needed topping up. Do you know where the dipstick tube is and how long a dipstick you need? I thought I'd at least eliminate one possibility before paying somebody to look at it.
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
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C230
I haven't even looked for mine yet but to my knowledge it's in the rear of the engine near the firewall. I looked on YouTube for it. The dipstick you will need to order and have shipped to you, there is not one with the car. It's between $10 and $20.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
Yep. I looked there and couldn't find it. I've seen dipsticks on ebay but they come in different lengths. I THINK we need the 1220mm length but I'm not sure.
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
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C230
I'm sorry I don't have any more info. I know I'm going to be reduced to taking my car to the dealership. I'd like to have an idea of the cost and from what I've found on forums it's about $1200. The programming is what is most important. The TCM has to be specifically programmed to the VIN number of your car. I don't want to take a chance on a non dealership mechanic. Besides I also believe that after repair there's a 2 year warranty from benz.
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Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
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C230
I live in an area where mechanics are intimidated by MB. I'll have to travel about an hour or more to find a dealership that might be reputable. The dealership here in my area IS a shark and they will tell me the entire transmission needs replacing.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
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2002 C230
I have very similar problem
I had that issue few months ago with my 2002 c230k, found the transmission oil was low, so put the oil in. Now it happened again yesterday, my indi mechanic found the gasket of transmission canister must be replaced. I ordered it through amazon $14, I will see if this solves the problem soon.
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C230
I had that issue few months ago with my 2002 c230k, found the transmission oil was low, so put the oil in. Now it happened again yesterday, my indi mechanic found the gasket of transmission canister must be replaced. I ordered it through amazon $14, I will see if this solves the problem soon.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 4
From: Raleigh, NC
2005 C230K, 2019 Honda CR-V, '74 Lotus Europa
I wasn't able to find the tranny dipstick (or rather the tube for it) on my wife's car. In the end, it hasn't mattered since the behavior stopped without my doing anything. 
