C32 - Transmission/shifting problems?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Florida
C32
C32 - Transmission/shifting problems?
Noticed the transmission shifting seems a bit confused on my 2002 C32, especially under light acceleration. I am a bit concerned as a few searches brought up threads about expensive, ruined trannies caused by glycol contamination. I suppose I should go ahead and service the transmission and/or replace the OE radiator. Will any aftermarket radiator work?
It seems like the car makes another small shift after the 1-2 shift. Not sure of that explains the problem any better.
It seems like the car makes another small shift after the 1-2 shift. Not sure of that explains the problem any better.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Noticed the transmission shifting seems a bit confused on my 2002 C32, especially under light acceleration. I am a bit concerned as a few searches brought up threads about expensive, ruined trannies caused by glycol contamination. I suppose I should go ahead and service the transmission and/or replace the OE radiator. Will any aftermarket radiator work?
It seems like the car makes another small shift after the 1-2 shift. Not sure of that explains the problem any better.
It seems like the car makes another small shift after the 1-2 shift. Not sure of that explains the problem any better.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Florida
C32
So I guess there isn't anything seriously? After a more diligent search I found that the problem can be "improved" by having a Mercedes Benz dealer program the 2003 transmission software into the 2002 model year.
I may go ahead and service the transmission and see if that helps. Does it have a serviceable tranny filter?
I may go ahead and service the transmission and see if that helps. Does it have a serviceable tranny filter?
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
So how would i fix this problem? everytime i drive when im in low rps just cruising, it will shift hard from 1st to 2nd gear. like you can feel the jerk. but thats only when im at low rpms. if i drive normal it wont happen. for example, it will happen alot when im in traffic, because im constantly going from 1st to 2nd back to first then to a dead stop, etc...
You said it has to do with a programming issue. im having my ecu tuned soon after my pulley install, would that tune reprogram what youre talking about? i want to fix this problem asap. i hope the transmission isnt going? i just dont think it is because it only does around 1500 rpms.
You said it has to do with a programming issue. im having my ecu tuned soon after my pulley install, would that tune reprogram what youre talking about? i want to fix this problem asap. i hope the transmission isnt going? i just dont think it is because it only does around 1500 rpms.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
I don't think it's a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear. I'm sure a lot of people are experiencing the same thing. I too thought it was shifting hard from 1st to 2nd. However, if you look at the RPM's, it's actually not shifting. Like what most people said, it's the torque converter locking up. If you look at the RPM's, it doesn't drop. it just jerks hard from 1500-2000RPM then keeps climbing. The change from 1st to 2nd isn't that noticeable. It's a bit harder than the shift from 2nd to 3rd, but it's still smooth. I noticed flushing the tranny fluid made it a bit smoother. I only get this lockup sometimes. When I do feel it, it's really annoying. I have to explain to my passengers that there's nothing wrong with the car, it's just designed that way. They give me a stupid look like... sure merc would sell a car like that!
Anyways, I've talked to my local Merc dealer and they said there are no different TCU softwares for my car. Like most people on here with C32's, I've learned to accept this problem and live with it. I don't think there's much you can do about it. Rest assured, it's not a glycol contamination issue. I've updated my rad to BEHR and flushed the tranny, no glycol in my tranny fluid.
Bry
Anyways, I've talked to my local Merc dealer and they said there are no different TCU softwares for my car. Like most people on here with C32's, I've learned to accept this problem and live with it. I don't think there's much you can do about it. Rest assured, it's not a glycol contamination issue. I've updated my rad to BEHR and flushed the tranny, no glycol in my tranny fluid.
Bry
Last edited by Autotechnica; Oct 24, 2010 at 06:21 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
C32 AMG
I don't think it's a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear. I'm sure a lot of people are experiencing the same thing. I too thought it was shifting hard from 1st to 2nd. However, if you look at the RPM's, it's actually not shifting. Like what most people said, it's the torque converter locking up. If you look at the RPM's, it doesn't drop. it just jerks hard from 1500-2000RPM then keeps climbing. The change from 1st to 2nd isn't that noticeable. It's a bit harder than the shift from 2nd to 3rd, but it's still smooth. I noticed flushing the tranny fluid made it a bit smoother. I only get this lockup sometimes. When I do feel it, it's really annoying. I have to explain to my passengers that there's nothing wrong with the car, it's just designed that way. They give me a stupid look like... sure merc would sell a car like that!
Anyways, I've talked to my local Merc dealer and they said there are no different TCU softwares for my car. Like most people on here with C32's, I've learned to accept this problem and live with it. I don't think there's much you can do about it. Rest assured, it's not a glycol contamination issue. I've updated my rad to BEHR and flushed the tranny, no glycol in my tranny fluid.
Bry
Anyways, I've talked to my local Merc dealer and they said there are no different TCU softwares for my car. Like most people on here with C32's, I've learned to accept this problem and live with it. I don't think there's much you can do about it. Rest assured, it's not a glycol contamination issue. I've updated my rad to BEHR and flushed the tranny, no glycol in my tranny fluid.
Bry
Autotechnica, i always thought it was the car shifting hard from 1st to 2nd, but you are right. I kepted an eye on the rpm gauge when i drove it today and it doesnt drop when it jerks. At least now i know its not a tranny problem. I tried looking for the "Valeo" sticker on thte top and bottom of the radiator, couldnt seem to find it, so im still not sure which radiator i have. Any way to tell if the car has glycol contamination? symptoms?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Florida
C32
Jordan
You might want to have your transmission fluid tested for glycol contamination. Contact blackstone labratories ( http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ )
The label is on top of the radiator. You may have to unbolt the top frame piece that your hood latches to.
You might want to have your transmission fluid tested for glycol contamination. Contact blackstone labratories ( http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ )
The label is on top of the radiator. You may have to unbolt the top frame piece that your hood latches to.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
Autotechnica, i always thought it was the car shifting hard from 1st to 2nd, but you are right. I kepted an eye on the rpm gauge when i drove it today and it doesnt drop when it jerks. At least now i know its not a tranny problem. I tried looking for the "Valeo" sticker on thte top and bottom of the radiator, couldnt seem to find it, so im still not sure which radiator i have. Any way to tell if the car has glycol contamination? symptoms?
The Valeo sticker is difficult to see. Mine was on the top right side but it was covered in dirt. It's a very small sticker. If your engine bay is really dirty you might have trouble seeing it. If your car is an early '03 and older chances are you have the old Valeo rad. I've read that late model '03-'04 rads had a better Valeo design. However, seems like the proper fix is to swap out for the BEHR unit.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Utah
2002 C32 AMG Silver
Just from reading on the forums people say typical symptoms are harsh vibrations, tranny getting stuck in gear, not downshifting when you hit "kick down", also harsh shifts. Best way is to simply get the fluid tested.
The Valeo sticker is difficult to see. Mine was on the top right side but it was covered in dirt. It's a very small sticker. If your engine bay is really dirty you might have trouble seeing it. If your car is an early '03 and older chances are you have the old Valeo rad. I've read that late model '03-'04 rads had a better Valeo design. However, seems like the proper fix is to swap out for the BEHR unit.
The Valeo sticker is difficult to see. Mine was on the top right side but it was covered in dirt. It's a very small sticker. If your engine bay is really dirty you might have trouble seeing it. If your car is an early '03 and older chances are you have the old Valeo rad. I've read that late model '03-'04 rads had a better Valeo design. However, seems like the proper fix is to swap out for the BEHR unit.
If it is contaminated with glycol am I screwed? or is there a way to prevent the tranny from dying?
Last edited by UtahC32Amg; Dec 7, 2010 at 12:29 AM. Reason: FUBAR
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
2002 C32 AMG
Anyways, since our C32's are no longer under warranty, I would get it tested regardless for peace of mind. If the results are bad, nothing you can do. Flush the fluid, replace the rad and hope that the tranny isn't damaged. My car only had 60,000miles on it when I bought it 4-5 months ago. I replaced the rad with a BEHR right away and flushed the fluid. Results came back negative, yet my tranny still behaves like it's "confused".
Good Luck,
Bryan
Last edited by Autotechnica; Dec 7, 2010 at 05:56 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 343
Likes: 3
From: Taipei, Taiwan
C32 '02
Check out my thread made last week. I had a tranny failure. I replaced the clutches (4 rings) and the piston right behind it and the large metal gasket with some sort of coating/finish. From the pics you can see the gasket has blisters, and my guess is due to high temperatures. it wasn't this obvious when we first took it off, but the blistering was very noticeable, possibly restricting oil flow.
you can actually see how the oil flowed on the gasket, just but the "blistering effect". My mechanic said my clutches look reasonably ok, but i changed it anywayz.
Now I have pretty much eliminated the "tranny jerk". I can go from 1 to 2 gear without feeling and jerk or lockup. Can't say it was the best thing that happen to me but it did address the tranny jerk and I'm very pleased.
Link:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...rt-needed.html
you can actually see how the oil flowed on the gasket, just but the "blistering effect". My mechanic said my clutches look reasonably ok, but i changed it anywayz.
Now I have pretty much eliminated the "tranny jerk". I can go from 1 to 2 gear without feeling and jerk or lockup. Can't say it was the best thing that happen to me but it did address the tranny jerk and I'm very pleased.
Link:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...rt-needed.html
Last edited by ML500K; Dec 7, 2010 at 11:08 PM.
