Help! another transmission jerk- the dealer
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 169
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From: Sebring, FL
Black 2002 C32 AMG
I just got my 2002 c32 yesterday and on the drive home I noticed this odd JERKS in the shifting out of the blue. I noticed it under cruise at 80mph and while driving normal speeds. Then half way in my trip A fault showed that the ESP was malfunctioning. I got home shut the car off and restated the car and the ESP fault was fine and working. I got 30k miles of extended warranty left so I guess i will now start to look for a dealer that knows how to service a c32amg.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 825
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2002 c32
Originally Posted by silver_metallic
I got fed up with the MB's handling of my tranny problems and took matters into my own hands...I bought a used transmission control unit off of ebay.
The 1500rpm jerk is gone. It took me about 10 minutes to replace the $60.00 TCU. Shifts are smooth and consistent, given the updated 2003 software.
I suggest this route for anyone who...
While C32 TCU's are hard to come by on ebay, most German car salvage places would be more than glad to sell you a used one.
You can also get your existing unit reflashed for about $400.00. Remember, this fix only works for 2002 C32's. Later models already have the updated TCU.
The part number for the updated TCU is 032 545 12 32
The 1500rpm jerk is gone. It took me about 10 minutes to replace the $60.00 TCU. Shifts are smooth and consistent, given the updated 2003 software.
I suggest this route for anyone who...
- Has a 2002 C32 with the jerk problem
- Is out of warranty or does not want to use the dealer
- Does not have glycol contamination
While C32 TCU's are hard to come by on ebay, most German car salvage places would be more than glad to sell you a used one.
You can also get your existing unit reflashed for about $400.00. Remember, this fix only works for 2002 C32's. Later models already have the updated TCU.
The part number for the updated TCU is 032 545 12 32
Thanks for the information!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 925
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From: Maine
Not an AMG :(
Hey - I have the exact same problem - still haven't fixed it yet because I have no competent service advisers. I went to three different service advisers and told them that the car lurches at about 1500rpm in W mode. Two of the advisers 'advised' me that I shouldn't be driving in W mode (to which I told them that I expected to drive in any damn mode when I have a $50K car!). The other said he didn't know what it was and never heard of it before.
ANyways, yes, it is a well-recognised problem with the '02 C32 and there is a good write up of the problem and solution on the c32life website under the FAQ section.
The torque converter is locking up at around 1500 rpms. There is a computer software upgrade fix. Ask your MB dealer to put the 2003 C32 software in your 02 car.
Unfortunately, no MB dealer in the ATL area will do this for me
ANyways, yes, it is a well-recognised problem with the '02 C32 and there is a good write up of the problem and solution on the c32life website under the FAQ section.
The torque converter is locking up at around 1500 rpms. There is a computer software upgrade fix. Ask your MB dealer to put the 2003 C32 software in your 02 car.
Unfortunately, no MB dealer in the ATL area will do this for me
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 825
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2002 c32
That's what I ran into as well, my tech showed me the notice that the dealer has and it says this is only for non-2002 cars iirc.
Originally Posted by boohooramblers
Hey - I have the exact same problem - still haven't fixed it yet because I have no competent service advisers. I went to three different service advisers and told them that the car lurches at about 1500rpm in W mode. Two of the advisers 'advised' me that I shouldn't be driving in W mode (to which I told them that I expected to drive in any damn mode when I have a $50K car!). The other said he didn't know what it was and never heard of it before.
ANyways, yes, it is a well-recognised problem with the '02 C32 and there is a good write up of the problem and solution on the c32life website under the FAQ section.
The torque converter is locking up at around 1500 rpms. There is a computer software upgrade fix. Ask your MB dealer to put the 2003 C32 software in your 02 car.
Unfortunately, no MB dealer in the ATL area will do this for me
ANyways, yes, it is a well-recognised problem with the '02 C32 and there is a good write up of the problem and solution on the c32life website under the FAQ section.
The torque converter is locking up at around 1500 rpms. There is a computer software upgrade fix. Ask your MB dealer to put the 2003 C32 software in your 02 car.
Unfortunately, no MB dealer in the ATL area will do this for me
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 925
Likes: 2
From: Maine
Not an AMG :(
Bif - yeah, its extremely frustrating. When I call 1-800 mercedes, they are always polite and helpful on the phone, yet the dealers (at least here in ATL) really don't care. I could probably get better service at my local Kia dealership! There is no doubt that they are aware of this problem and they wont make the effort to fix it. If anyone else out there is in the ATL area with an '02 C32 and got it fixed, I'd love to hear from you!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 2
From: Buford, GA
2016 C63S,2013 C63 AMG Coupe, 2002 C32 AMG (gone but not forgotten)
Originally Posted by Bif powell
Should that be 203 instead of 032?...are you sure you have the rest correct
Thanks for the information!
Thanks for the information!
I've attached an image of the TCU & ParkTronic ECU....
TCU is on the bottom and the part number is correct.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 2
From: Buford, GA
2016 C63S,2013 C63 AMG Coupe, 2002 C32 AMG (gone but not forgotten)
boohooramblers -
Did you do a glycol test yet? The stealership should do that for you for free since you have a 2002. Even RBM (worst dealer in ATL) will do it for free.
If you pass the glycol test and still have the dreaded jerk, you're welcome to come by my house. We can swap out your old TCU with my new TCU and if that fixes the problem, then all you will need to buy is a new TCU.
Did you do a glycol test yet? The stealership should do that for you for free since you have a 2002. Even RBM (worst dealer in ATL) will do it for free.
If you pass the glycol test and still have the dreaded jerk, you're welcome to come by my house. We can swap out your old TCU with my new TCU and if that fixes the problem, then all you will need to buy is a new TCU.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Originally Posted by boohooramblers
ANyways, yes, it is a well-recognised problem with the '02 C32 and there is a good write up of the problem and solution on the c32life website under the FAQ section.
The torque converter is locking up at around 1500 rpms. There is a computer software upgrade fix. Ask your MB dealer to put the 2003 C32 software in your 02 car.
Unfortunately, no MB dealer in the ATL area will do this for me
The torque converter is locking up at around 1500 rpms. There is a computer software upgrade fix. Ask your MB dealer to put the 2003 C32 software in your 02 car.
Unfortunately, no MB dealer in the ATL area will do this for me
It seems like the software/ECU upgrade is the most consistent fix. I'll be interested to see if they will do anything about the upgarade to the software or whether I wil have to find a Tranny ecu on my own.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 925
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From: Maine
Not an AMG :(
silver - thanks for the info and the offer to test it using your TCU. I already called MB of Buckhead and asked them about getting a glycol test done - I may as well have been talking to the man on the moon. Bottom line is, they wont do it (especially for free). If only I could get to talk directly to one of the techs instead of the service advisors when I am trying to explain.......!
You mentioned getting RBM to do it - did they do it for you? If so, I'll give them a shout.
You mentioned getting RBM to do it - did they do it for you? If so, I'll give them a shout.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: San Jose, CA
ML63
The SA's are a bunch of morons.. I paid 180 bucks to get the glycol test done, I did it for piece of mind because I already have a new radiator. When I said I would pay there was no argument from the SA. I have also had my tranny rebuilt, still have the jerk.. I am going to schedule an appointment to get the TCU reprogrammed..
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 722
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From: Bay Area
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
Originally Posted by amgmark
The SA's are a bunch of morons.. I paid 180 bucks to get the glycol test done, I did it for piece of mind because I already have a new radiator. When I said I would pay there was no argument from the SA. I have also had my tranny rebuilt, still have the jerk.. I am going to schedule an appointment to get the TCU reprogrammed..
one thing i don't understand. how can one dealer charge 180 while another charges 3x that amount
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Originally Posted by boohooramblers
silver - thanks for the info and the offer to test it using your TCU. I already called MB of Buckhead and asked them about getting a glycol test done - I may as well have been talking to the man on the moon. Bottom line is, they wont do it (especially for free). If only I could get to talk directly to one of the techs instead of the service advisors when I am trying to explain.......!
You mentioned getting RBM to do it - did they do it for you? If so, I'll give them a shout.
You mentioned getting RBM to do it - did they do it for you? If so, I'll give them a shout.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Buford, GA
2016 C63S,2013 C63 AMG Coupe, 2002 C32 AMG (gone but not forgotten)
Originally Posted by boohooramblers
silver - thanks for the info and the offer to test it using your TCU. I already called MB of Buckhead and asked them about getting a glycol test done - I may as well have been talking to the man on the moon. Bottom line is, they wont do it (especially for free). If only I could get to talk directly to one of the techs instead of the service advisors when I am trying to explain.......!
You mentioned getting RBM to do it - did they do it for you? If so, I'll give them a shout.
You mentioned getting RBM to do it - did they do it for you? If so, I'll give them a shout.
They did not charge me to do the test, but I was getting other work done as well. Let me know how this pans out.
There is no reason why they should charge $200-$600 for this test. We're talking a few ounces of chemicals some PH strips, not liquid gold.
Good luck
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
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2002 c32
I paid for mine as I didn't know at the time it could be free (and of course my SA didn't know/didn't tell), and it was about $100 or so.
Originally Posted by silver_metallic
They did not charge me to do the test, but I was getting other work done as well. Let me know how this pans out.
There is no reason why they should charge $200-$600 for this test. We're talking a few ounces of chemicals some PH strips, not liquid gold.
Good luck
There is no reason why they should charge $200-$600 for this test. We're talking a few ounces of chemicals some PH strips, not liquid gold.
Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,239
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From: San Jose, CA
ML63
Originally Posted by Bif powell
I paid for mine as I didn't know at the time it could be free (and of course my SA didn't know/didn't tell), and it was about $100 or so.
Sorry I'm going
The MB dealer in San Diego is a scam.. They told me that my seat rails were worn which is why my seat control module blew out like 5 times.. The said there was a short. They wanted to charge me 1200 bucks saying it wasnt covered by my Starmark warranty. I took my car to another dealer. They said the wiring harness was bad and that a wire was exposed shorting out the module. This was covered under warranty and no problems since. So if the dip****s would have replaced the rails for 1200 bucks I would still have the problem. God they really **** me off sometimes..
Last edited by amgmark; Jul 20, 2006 at 02:21 PM.
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From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
Try write directly to MB North America thru MBUSA website's customer service email. It will bring directly to MB USA and they will forward ur email directly to your dealer's service manager. I did that and my service advisor called me the following day and he is all so nice again...he told me he has an email from the Service Manager and MB USA want them to follow up.
Give it a try, u may get your refund.
Give it a try, u may get your refund.
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 201
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From: SF Bay Area
2006 E55
Originally Posted by silver_metallic
You can also get your existing unit reflashed for about $400.00. Remember, this fix only works for 2002 C32's. Later models already have the updated TCU.
The part number for the updated TCU is 032 545 12 32
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 182
Likes: 2
From: Buford, GA
2016 C63S,2013 C63 AMG Coupe, 2002 C32 AMG (gone but not forgotten)
When my transmission was acting up, the "jerk" was significant. I doubt it could cause any damage as the tranny and engine were barely turning when it would happen.
However, I only had the TCU adaptation problem. There was no leaking coolant into the transmission. In the case of leaking coolant, the transmission will be toast in a short period of time, so it's best to have it checked out sooner than later.
However, I only had the TCU adaptation problem. There was no leaking coolant into the transmission. In the case of leaking coolant, the transmission will be toast in a short period of time, so it's best to have it checked out sooner than later.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2006
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I brought my 02 C32 into Atlanta Classic Cars last week regarding the jerk and the ESP warning that I received.
The ESP bit was a faulty Yaw Control Sensor and has been fixed. The jerking problem was originally diagnosed as a faulty TCU. After the TCU was replaced, the jerk remained. Just today my SA called and said they found Glycol in the transmission fluid and the transmission/torque converter/radiator will need to be replaced.
I bought my C32 in July with 33K on it. Now I'm extremely happy that I bought the extended warranty. If my SA didn't call me today about the glycol test, I planned to bring him this thread. Thanks for the help!
The ESP bit was a faulty Yaw Control Sensor and has been fixed. The jerking problem was originally diagnosed as a faulty TCU. After the TCU was replaced, the jerk remained. Just today my SA called and said they found Glycol in the transmission fluid and the transmission/torque converter/radiator will need to be replaced.
I bought my C32 in July with 33K on it. Now I'm extremely happy that I bought the extended warranty. If my SA didn't call me today about the glycol test, I planned to bring him this thread. Thanks for the help!
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 161
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From: Toronto, Ontario
2011 C63 AMG, 2011 Audi A4
Re:
I've been having problems with my C32 for awhile now. Last weekend when i was driving like 130-140km/hr, as i tried to pass some cars, the car wasn't going anywhere. Seemed like the car just had no power at all. The rpm's were around 5,000 and i was slowly going past 130km/hr and i mean slowly. I brought the car to MB today and the technician took it for a drive. He also notices the lack of power and he thinks its the supercharger that is not kicking in. He also notices that the car jerks a lot.
I am really hoping that my warranty for the Powertrain is still covered.
I am really hoping that my warranty for the Powertrain is still covered.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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2002 C32 ///AMG
What exactly is meant by 'refashing the TCU'?? For those of you have have had the tranny jerk, does it occur only during a shift from say 2nd to third gear in the 1500-2500 rpm mark or does is happen consitently and in multiple gears within this rpm range? I seem to have a heavy shift under light acceleration I believe between 2-3 gear only and am wondering if it is this problem with the 'jerk' everyone here has been talking about.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
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From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
What exactly is meant by 'refashing the TCU'?? For those of you have have had the tranny jerk, does it occur only during a shift from say 2nd to third gear in the 1500-2500 rpm mark or does is happen consitently and in multiple gears within this rpm range? I seem to have a heavy shift under light acceleration I believe between 2-3 gear only and am wondering if it is this problem with the 'jerk' everyone here has been talking about.
What you have described is exactly what I've been experiencing. I've had the TCU replaced, the torque converter replaced and the valving replaced. I still have the jerk between 2nd and 3rd. When I took the tech for a ride to check it out, he noticed it was the torque converter, not the actual shift for 2-3. Apparently, that is where the t/c locks up. Now the dealer is claiming that it is my driving style that is causing the jerk. They actually used the term "light in the loafers" to describe the style that causes the jerk (Turds!)
. I guess this car was never inteded to be driven in traffic or residential neighborhoods. We must drive WOT to avoid the jerk (which I do quite often anyways).
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From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
