C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Fluid in TCM?

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Old 01-13-2019 | 06:50 PM
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norteno's Avatar
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
Fluid in TCM?

I have 06, C280. I changed the trans plug and it was wet. and changed the fluid, filter and bought the fluid measuring dip stick and filled it up appropriately. I could feel an improvement but still kinda delayed shifting in lower gears and not as smooth as it could be... I think. Then I started reading about ATF wicking up the wire harness and into the TCM and a few ideas about how to drain/clean it out. I would like to try this but my questions are
1) Is it absolutely necessary or will it improve shifting?, 2) Assuming it has ATF in it, will leaving it in damage anything?, 3) Where the hell is it located????, 4) Will disconnecting it and reconnecting it cause the dreaded "limp mode" and 5) how do ya get it out of limp mode??? carsoft 7.4? Thanks for any and all input!!!
Old 01-13-2019 | 07:23 PM
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From: New England! :-)
2005 C230K Sport Coupe
A contaminated PCB (Printed Circuit Board) likely is not the problem with the shifting.

Btw, someone may be able to drink sewer water and not die.
So, does that mean that it's safe or smart to drink sewer water?

The same is true of bad/poor advice.
So, fwiw, there is only one way to properly clean a PCB.
Okay, there a a few ways.
But, for the non engineer, non technician, there is only one way!

Amazon Amazon
MG Chemicals Heavy Duty Flux Remover, 425g (15 Oz) Aerosol Can
Price: $17.95

Amazon Amazon
MG Chemicals Flux Remover for PC Boards, 1 Liter Liquid Bottle
Price: $21.51

https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/blogs/cleaning-pcbs
Old 01-13-2019 | 11:23 PM
  #3  
norteno's Avatar
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
Originally Posted by RedGray
A contaminated PCB (Printed Circuit Board) likely is not the problem with the shifting.

Btw, someone may be able to drink sewer water and not die.
So, does that mean that it's safe or smart to drink sewer water?

The same is true of bad/poor advice.
So, fwiw, there is only one way to properly clean a PCB.
Okay, there a a few ways.
But, for the non engineer, non technician, there is only one way!

https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-...dp/B005DNQWV0/
MG Chemicals Heavy Duty Flux Remover, 425g (15 Oz) Aerosol Can
Price: $17.95

https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-.../dp/B008UH3RDM
MG Chemicals Flux Remover for PC Boards, 1 Liter Liquid Bottle
Price: $21.51

https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/blogs/cleaning-pcbs
thanks for the quick response and the product recommendations.. do you have an opinion on any of my questions???
Old 01-14-2019 | 12:59 AM
  #4  
RedGray's Avatar
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From: New England! :-)
2005 C230K Sport Coupe
Originally Posted by norteno
I have 06, C280. I changed the trans plug and it was wet. and changed the fluid, filter and bought the fluid measuring dip stick and filled it up appropriately. I could feel an improvement but still kinda delayed shifting in lower gears and not as smooth as it could be... I think. Then I started reading about ATF wicking up the wire harness and into the TCM and a few ideas about how to drain/clean it out. I would like to try this but my questions are
1) Is it absolutely necessary or will it improve shifting?, 2) Assuming it has ATF in it, will leaving it in damage anything?, 3) Where the hell is it located????, 4) Will disconnecting it and reconnecting it cause the dreaded "limp mode" and 5) how do ya get it out of limp mode??? carsoft 7.4? Thanks for any and all input!!!
I'm not an expert on the tranny. I know much more about the M271 engine, and other engines. Engines, suspensions, brakes, etc are what I care more about.
Imho, for the most case, if a tranny is bad, you get it fixed, or you get a better one. Irrc, there isn't a better tranny (i.e. upgraded parts).

As best as I remember and know:
1) ?Is what necessary?
A fluid change may help shifting. But, it won't help "a lot". And, it may not make any difference.

2) Yes. Eventually. What is eventually? It's between 1 second and ~5 billion years (when our sun goes nova). Anybody that can claim different, imho, is wrong. Fwiw, I know PCB/electronics and failure rates very well (hence, why I replied before).
Also, tranny fluid is not water. There are ton of variables.

3) Search the forums. Put your vin in the vin decoder, to find out what tranny you really have.
Iirc, it's 722.9. Or, something else. :-)

4) As far as I know, no it will not.
Also, iirc, the W203 tranny TCMs are not coded to the PCM. ???
Is that correct, for those that know?

5) Fix the problem(s).
I don't know if the iCarsoft MB can reset the tranny errors. Thankfully, I haven't had to find out.

Good Luck!

Last edited by RedGray; 01-14-2019 at 01:01 AM.
Old 01-15-2019 | 06:21 PM
  #5  
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2019 CLS450 (C257) - 4 Matic
Hi Norteno,

it is not something related to help you with your inquiry, I am have the same Delayed shifting problem and want to start from changing transmission fluid.
please advise what parts I need and where should I get them?
do i need a full flush or just drain?
what tools I will be needing?
should I replace the plug too?

thanks in advance for any assistance
Old 01-17-2019 | 09:44 AM
  #6  
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
Parts

I got my parts from pelican parts... the fluid, the filter, the 13 pin transmission plug and o rings, the transmission fluid dip stick and the red lock clips that fit over the transmission fill tube.... they also have some pretty good tutorials with pictures and customer reviews and feedback... to me. It worked...go for it!!!
Old 01-18-2019 | 03:08 PM
  #7  
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
06 should have 7 speed unless you have 4 matic.
7 speed TCM is inside the tranny.
If you have 5 speed, yeah, you need to clean everything and hope the TCM isn't fried.
5 speed TCM is under right side floorboard, just pull up the carpet, remove the panel thats against the
back, like 2 plastic screws and there is it. With key out of ignition,
you can remove it, open it up and clean it with contact cleaner, and reinstall if need be.
No limp mode. Are you in limp mode? Is there some issue currently?
Had to exit to re-read your post. Re-check the fluid level. Check when hot,
add or remove fluid as necessary is my guess.
Very sensitive to fluid level.

Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 01-18-2019 at 03:34 PM.
Old 01-19-2019 | 05:02 AM
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
Thanks. Yea I have the 4matic... the car is not in limp mode and I wanted to check the tcm for any fluid as when I replaced the 13 pin plug, it was pretty wet and I then assumed then that some fluid wicked up there and therefore low.... the car actually shifts ok but that slight delay.... I don't know..... checking the fluid according to MB procedure is a little tricky to me.... the fluid level on the dip stick isn't clear to read... it seems like it's smeared all along the dipstick and not at any certain level... gonna keep on trying... I really

appreciate the info....
Old 01-20-2019 | 12:30 PM
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
This is the ride...
Old 01-28-2019 | 06:01 PM
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
Instructions attached. Do it hot, and get it to the 80c line.
Small variations in level effect shifting.
Do NOT overfill.
If anyone needs a tranny service kit,
consider this one from yours truly...
5 Speed 722.6 Tranmission Service Kit.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
722.6 Dipstick Instructions.pdf (219.5 KB, 118 views)
Old 01-28-2019 | 07:07 PM
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
Excellent.. thank you sir... I like and/or need detailed information like that. .. I have the dipstick already but not those instructions...I'm hoping it's just a little low on fluid....I'm also gonna open up the tcm to see if any fluid that wicked up there.... I found some instructions with pics on this site how to pop the case off of it....all I need now is some half *** decent weather... gonna be -15 below tonight.-18 below tomorrow.. -25 below Wednesday and Thursday...but 40 by Sunday... so forget messin with the car until....who knows when....
Old 03-27-2019 | 10:48 PM
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2006 280 4matic and 2008 C350 sport
So after extreme cold and record breaking snow in Minnesota this winter...I finally removed TCM and it was not wet with ATF.. good thing.. last summer I changed fluid and filter and the 13 pin pilot bushing plug... I replaced the exact same amount of fluid that I took out.... today I checked the level cold with the proper MB dipstick and the level was all the way up to the top of the black plastic tip that has the marks on it.. that was when cold.. I have not checked it hot yet... the question is..."is checking the fluid cold accurate or does it have to be fully warmed to operating temperature when checking??? If so, then why does the dipstick have the cold level mark on it.? One mark says 25, the other says 80... is that farenheit or Celsius?? Thanks for any input....

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