As I was driving today my car went out of gear and would not go back so I had to pull over and the check engine light came on. I am guessing it is in limp mode because now it will not move. I checked the tcu and there is red fluid all over it and the insulation. What are my options is a new tcu needed? Where's the cheapest place to get one? What do I have to get to fix the leak. Help please!

 

The connector on your transmission has gone bad. Not an uncommon problem. Should be less than a $100 to replace the plug.

Try cleaning your TCU first. Maybe with brake cleaner but let someone else chime in on what is best to use. No matter what you do get the connector replaced before you replace the TCU. Otherwise you are just wasting your money.

 

best place to get the part and is their a DIY?

 

Vivid Racing can source OEM parts, usually at prices up to 60% less than the dealer would charge.

Clean the TCU really well, and unplug it. Check for any fluid in the plugs. Fix the leak. If that doesn't do it, then a TCU is probably in order.

I'm not terribly familiar with these cars, but if there's anything we can do for you, let me know. We do of course have some folks here that are much more knowledgeable with the MBs than I am.

 

The connector bushing has to be change on your transmission. Your best bet is to flip the TCU upside down or take it out of the casing and clean it with brake cleaner, lightly. I have done this to a few TCUs and they came out fine

 

Is a new tcu plug and play or require something special at the dealer?

 

Where is the connector bushing located on the tranny? Anyone have pics

 

The connector bushing is located at the right side of the transmission in the front. It is the only electrical link between the transmission to the TCU, when this leaks, fluid is pushed through the wiring into the TCU. The TCU does require a vin to be written into it. If purchased new, it should also have the most current software. The main concern if not going to a dealer for a TCU replacement will be performing the transmission adaptions. PM me if you have some questions, there are some ways around these things

 

contact cleaner and blow dry it but filter the air so there is no direct air going on it. buy the part anywhere its cheap as dirt. these words are directly from my tech.

 

doing this now it was nasssty im gonna let it dry for a bit then try and hook it up later to see if I can atleast drive it home so I can fix the leak...hopefully this works....anyone have the part # for the bushing
ps thanks everyone so much

 

are these the parts I need?

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...n_bushing.html

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/200...g_adapter.html

 

anyone i need to know so i can order!

 

Is this the TCU lol? Its under the passenger side floorboard mounted to the bracket. The unit itself wasnt all that bad I cleaned it pretty good. The connectors and wires were what was really bad they were wet and sticky. I tried to clean them as best I could but I dont think it worked unless I am doing something wrong, I tried to clean them again and I will let them dry overnight. After I cleaned them earlier today I plugged everything in and I am still having the same issues. I was able to make the 3 miles back to my house...barely It was stuck in first gear and it would not shift out automatically or manually....it wouldnt let me change it from C to S either. I also had to stop about halfway and restart the car because it went totally out of gear. I even tried unplugging the unit altogether and it was exactly the same, only 1st gear...I would have thought without the TCU plugged in it wouldnt move at all lol?.....anyways is the TCU fried or do you guys think it could be the connectors can you just replace those?? The car is making a loud whining noise also and I have no idea what it is....tranny...supercharger I really dont know I am just scared the tranny is ****ed haha

hellllllllp what should I do next I really dont wanna take it to the stealership
has anyone seen rockauto parts they have this......would this work? has anyone done it? I guess I send mine in and they repair it? Anyway to diagnose if it is for sure the TCU or the connectors?

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C32 AMG 3.2L 3199cc V6 FI Supercharged SOHC : Transmission-Automatic : Automatic Transmission Control Unit Wiki Price
A-1 CARDONE Part # 997387 Reman. - Return and Rebuild Service Only - By ordering this service you are agreeing to send your original part to the manufacturer to be rebuilt. Rebuild time is approximately 3-5 business days. You will be contacted with directions once the order is placed. For more information please contact Customer Service.

 

i replaced the radiator and im not sure if they topped of the transmission fluid that leaked out during the install just thought of this....could this be a problem I dont think it was much....

 

even if cleaning it out worked would the TCU not function properly until the stored codes are cleared or would it work immediately?

 

This is the part http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe..._5C1313F8.aspx

Do a search, this has been discussed very many times. If not in the amg section check the non-amg section. It is the same.

 

There is no definite diagnosis without the help of a SDS in this situation

 

the car is not communicating with the tcu...fixed the leak now having the harness and plugs replaced so hopefully that will cure all

 

u need a conductor plate , thats where transmission goes thru

 

once you fix the problem, the dealer can re-activate the tcu. it will remain deactivated until then. so it's hard to tell if you've fixed the problem.

 

so an independent shop cannot activate the TCU? the dealer is the ONLY one who can do it?

 

Well, anyone with the $100,000 MB computer can do it.

 

where do you live?

 

Fort Worth, TX

 

i had the connector replaced to stop the leak, cleaned out the TCU and ran new wires and plugs. Still having the same issue I guess the tcu is fried? the indy shop tried to clear the codes and re adapt the tranny but it didnt work...where can I can the cheapest tcu from.....also my car is making a loud whining noise and they suspect it is the transmission and it will need to be replaced...is it possible that little plug leaking out could ruin the tranny has anyone ever heard of this