New Member/New C32 Owner: Transmissions Problems already? Help?
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: MA
02 C32 AMG
New Member/New C32 Owner: Transmissions Problems already? Help?
Hello All,
I'm a new member to the site and a first time owner... 02 C32. I love this car, but having owned it for only 14 days, I'm disappointed to say its already been in the shop. Yesterday I took it in because I have noticed that anytime I'm on the gas (not hard), particularly around 1500rpms and 30mph I noticed a constant jerking, slipping, loss of power, rpm drop... whatever you prefer to call it. Basically, whenever I'm cruising along, there is a constant slip (actual drop in RPMs from 1500 to 1200, or 2000 to 1700 when accelerating). The mechanic said that I need to do a tranny flush and switch out the Valeo radiator. The car has 79K on it. I'm not exactly mechanically inclined so any additional advice, input or help would be great. I've read several threads pertaining to this topic, however, haven't seen any that mentioned a constant issue. Literally, when I drive, if I'm on the gas, it feels like I'm driving with my mother-in-law... gas, brake, gas, brake.
You get the idea. Thanks in advance for any help! Much appreciated.
I'm a new member to the site and a first time owner... 02 C32. I love this car, but having owned it for only 14 days, I'm disappointed to say its already been in the shop. Yesterday I took it in because I have noticed that anytime I'm on the gas (not hard), particularly around 1500rpms and 30mph I noticed a constant jerking, slipping, loss of power, rpm drop... whatever you prefer to call it. Basically, whenever I'm cruising along, there is a constant slip (actual drop in RPMs from 1500 to 1200, or 2000 to 1700 when accelerating). The mechanic said that I need to do a tranny flush and switch out the Valeo radiator. The car has 79K on it. I'm not exactly mechanically inclined so any additional advice, input or help would be great. I've read several threads pertaining to this topic, however, haven't seen any that mentioned a constant issue. Literally, when I drive, if I'm on the gas, it feels like I'm driving with my mother-in-law... gas, brake, gas, brake.
You get the idea. Thanks in advance for any help! Much appreciated.
Last edited by Zephyr; Feb 25, 2011 at 08:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: MA
02 C32 AMG
I understand that this is a common problem, or at least appears to be according to the threads, but can someone help me out? The mechanic is looking for $1200 on this flush and radiator, and as expected, doesn't know that it'll fix the issue. Any insight? Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 2
From: USA
Marsaydees
As you can see from the searches, people have replaced the entire driveline only to have this issue persist. What you are feeling is the torque converter doing a full lockup - this causes he RPM's to slam down from 2000 to 1700.
My car only does it for the first ~10-15 minutes of each drive in the winter, and about ~5-10 minutes in the summer. After that, it behaves well for the rest of the day.
At 79k, you are overdue for a trans flush anyways. The radiator should also be swapped to Behr to prevent glycol contamination that the early Valeo was responsible for. BUT, none of this will stop your torque converter jerking issue.
Here are the two solutions: If step 1 doesn't solve it, you'll have to move onto step 2.
1) You need to purchase a transmission control unit (TCU) designed for 03+ C32's. The TCU has to be brand new because it can only be coded once for an '02 C32.
Here are links where someone has posted the part number needed for a newer TCU. Only the last three from the bottom are the 03+ style TCU part numbers. The new style TCU is about $750, ouch.
https://mbworld.org/forums/3902775-post75.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ut-jerk-3.html
2) You will have to try this modification in your valve body, it is reversible.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...oning-rsn.html
My car only does it for the first ~10-15 minutes of each drive in the winter, and about ~5-10 minutes in the summer. After that, it behaves well for the rest of the day.
At 79k, you are overdue for a trans flush anyways. The radiator should also be swapped to Behr to prevent glycol contamination that the early Valeo was responsible for. BUT, none of this will stop your torque converter jerking issue.
Here are the two solutions: If step 1 doesn't solve it, you'll have to move onto step 2.
1) You need to purchase a transmission control unit (TCU) designed for 03+ C32's. The TCU has to be brand new because it can only be coded once for an '02 C32.
Here are links where someone has posted the part number needed for a newer TCU. Only the last three from the bottom are the 03+ style TCU part numbers. The new style TCU is about $750, ouch.
https://mbworld.org/forums/3902775-post75.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ut-jerk-3.html
2) You will have to try this modification in your valve body, it is reversible.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...oning-rsn.html
Last edited by Dingleberry; Feb 25, 2011 at 10:38 AM.
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2005 Pontiac GTO 6.0 LS2 - Blue
The transmission shouldn't need to be flushed unless the radiator has leaked out causing glycol contamination. Yes, the 2002 radiator was known to be defective, and should be replaced. $1200 seems steep for the job though... Radiator is $160 on ebay. Takes about two hours to do the job with one person.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 983
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From: USA
Marsaydees
The transmission shouldn't need to be flushed unless the radiator has leaked out causing glycol contamination. Yes, the 2002 radiator was known to be defective, and should be replaced. $1200 seems steep for the job though... Radiator is $160 on ebay. Takes about two hours to do the job with one person.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2005 Pontiac GTO 6.0 LS2 - Blue
Poor advice.
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From: SoCal
2018 GLE350
I also have the exact same issue with my own car. Drives fine and not something I've been bothered about. I've just learned to deal with it.
It had a transmission flush around 98k though gt4awd is making me wonder if I should change out my radiator. (Should be simple enough)
It had a transmission flush around 98k though gt4awd is making me wonder if I should change out my radiator. (Should be simple enough)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,034
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2005 Pontiac GTO 6.0 LS2 - Blue
Few months back I swapped out mine after finding a red substance in the coolant reservoir. 
Fluid and all will run you around $400-$500 dollars. I suggest not waiting, and get the job done before failure occurs.
Fluid and all will run you around $400-$500 dollars. I suggest not waiting, and get the job done before failure occurs.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 360
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
2018 GLE350
Is there anything I can check before hand? We just flushed the coolant system about 4 days ago. The previous owner had actually used nothing but water. Either way, it was fairly clean. No traces of anything like that.
I also see in the thread listed above that a couple of members fixed the issue by changing out the TCU. Parts.com still has the TCU in stock for 700 bucks.
I also see in the thread listed above that a couple of members fixed the issue by changing out the TCU. Parts.com still has the TCU in stock for 700 bucks.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 2
From: USA
Marsaydees
His car only has 79k. It's ok to do a trans flush...
Care to elaborate on that..? If the transmission doesn't have glycol contamination it doesn't need to be flushed. Only the radiator needs, or should be replaced as PM, along with replenishment of what was lost during the process. At his mileage if the transmission fluid and filter hasn't been serviced now would be a good time. I was not commenting on the mysterious jerk that no one here is aware of...
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 529
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2002 C32 ///AMG
As you can see from the searches, people have replaced the entire driveline only to have this issue persist. What you are feeling is the torque converter doing a full lockup - this causes he RPM's to slam down from 2000 to 1700.
My car only does it for the first ~10-15 minutes of each drive in the winter, and about ~5-10 minutes in the summer. After that, it behaves well for the rest of the day.
At 79k, you are overdue for a trans flush anyways. The radiator should also be swapped to Behr to prevent glycol contamination that the early Valeo was responsible for. BUT, none of this will stop your torque converter jerking issue.
Here are the two solutions: If step 1 doesn't solve it, you'll have to move onto step 2.
1) You need to purchase a transmission control unit (TCU) designed for 03+ C32's. The TCU has to be brand new because it can only be coded once for an '02 C32.
Here are links where someone has posted the part number needed for a newer TCU. Only the last three from the bottom are the 03+ style TCU part numbers. The new style TCU is about $750, ouch.
https://mbworld.org/forums/3902775-post75.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ut-jerk-3.html
2) You will have to try this modification in your valve body, it is reversible.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...oning-rsn.html
My car only does it for the first ~10-15 minutes of each drive in the winter, and about ~5-10 minutes in the summer. After that, it behaves well for the rest of the day.
At 79k, you are overdue for a trans flush anyways. The radiator should also be swapped to Behr to prevent glycol contamination that the early Valeo was responsible for. BUT, none of this will stop your torque converter jerking issue.
Here are the two solutions: If step 1 doesn't solve it, you'll have to move onto step 2.
1) You need to purchase a transmission control unit (TCU) designed for 03+ C32's. The TCU has to be brand new because it can only be coded once for an '02 C32.
Here are links where someone has posted the part number needed for a newer TCU. Only the last three from the bottom are the 03+ style TCU part numbers. The new style TCU is about $750, ouch.
https://mbworld.org/forums/3902775-post75.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...ut-jerk-3.html
2) You will have to try this modification in your valve body, it is reversible.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...oning-rsn.html
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: O.C
2009 Porsche turbo, 2011 Porsche gt3(Luv) 2008 clk black- RIP 2003 Honda Element (Fav)
I had same exact symptoms fine for a lil bit till it heats up and then sputtering jerking feels as if something is wrong with motor like hesitating.. In my situation itvwas the dreaded contamination issue. Sounds like that is the issue u have going on. I had to get new trans, torque converter, radiator and fan cause speed control on fan went bad. Go get a glycol test and If this turns out to be your prob. Go to Sun Valley Mercedes I paid $2500.00 for whole job installed and everything not to bad compared to my local Benz dealer (8,800). They are nuts!!!
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 173
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From: Vegas
02 C32
Change your radiator to the Behr unit as soon as you conveneintly can. They can be had from eBay for $150 or less. You can do the change yourself with basic hand tools and a couple hours.
Take the car to a dealership and have the transmission fluid tested for glycol contamination. The test should be around $75, but call around if you have more than one dealer to find out whether they will charge you for an entire hour of labor for this 15-min job. If contamination is present, it will not be cheap (I am dealing with having my transmission and torque converter replaced right now due to glycol contamination). If contamination is not present, it certainly would not hurt to have the transmission fluid and filter changed.
As for the transmission symptoms (jerking), my dealer 'reflashed' my car and my symptoms improved. That's worth a shot...
Take the car to a dealership and have the transmission fluid tested for glycol contamination. The test should be around $75, but call around if you have more than one dealer to find out whether they will charge you for an entire hour of labor for this 15-min job. If contamination is present, it will not be cheap (I am dealing with having my transmission and torque converter replaced right now due to glycol contamination). If contamination is not present, it certainly would not hurt to have the transmission fluid and filter changed.
As for the transmission symptoms (jerking), my dealer 'reflashed' my car and my symptoms improved. That's worth a shot...
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Florida
'03 C32 AMG
Anyone know if the transmission contamination is a problem on newer C32's than 02? I'm a bit worried for my new '03, no symptoms yet, but this is not something I would wanna deal with anytime soon.
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Florida
'03 C32 AMG
Actually, I just looked a bit more at the Carfax the dealer gave me to see if I could find something like this, and it actually says "Radiator replaced" in 2005, at 35.000 miles. Sounds like it has already been an issue and the previous owner took care of it. Great.
Good luck with your fix Zephyr, this is an issue I've been worrying like crazy about, so I can understand how much it sucks when it actually happens.
Good luck with your fix Zephyr, this is an issue I've been worrying like crazy about, so I can understand how much it sucks when it actually happens.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
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From: MA
02 C32 AMG
Just got my car back last night from the shop. Thanks to the lemon law, the dealer picked up the tab. Trans flush, new radiator and flash.... so far so good. The jerking is gone!
Now its time to do a few cosmetic changes. Thinking headlights and grill first.
Thanks everyone for your help!
Now its time to do a few cosmetic changes. Thinking headlights and grill first.
Thanks everyone for your help!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 2
From: USA
Marsaydees
Just got my car back last night from the shop. Thanks to the lemon law, the dealer picked up the tab. Trans flush, new radiator and flash.... so far so good. The jerking is gone!
Now its time to do a few cosmetic changes. Thinking headlights and grill first.
Thanks everyone for your help!
Now its time to do a few cosmetic changes. Thinking headlights and grill first.
Thanks everyone for your help!
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From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
