AMG_Guy

When I bought my 2003 C32 3 months ago the torque converter was bad and had to be replaced. It caused the car to have a hesitation / shutter sometimes when accelerating, usually when going uphill or regular acceleration. Under heavy acceleration it was fine.

I had the torque converter replaced at my dealer.

Now about 3 months later, I'm starting to notice very, very similar symptoms, though not as bad. Is it likely that the torque converter could fail again this soon?

AMG3.2

Umm could it just be the tranny jerk that everyone is talking about? I have similar symptoms you describe but I think it's just the tranny jerk. I also feel that under heavy acceleration the jerk goes away.

AMG_Guy

I don't think it's that...it just started happening a week ago.

Budget Baller

All of our cars do it. It's the Tranny Jerk. I have the same problem. Especially when going up a hill at low load/slower speeds.

I'll press the gas, car almost seems to choke out. Car runs like a total POS. Bring the car into heavy acceleration and it's fine. I hate, we've tried almost everything to fix it.

ALLDATAdiy INFO

Are you throwing any codes?

AMG_Guy

No codes..

Back 2 months ago when my torque converter was definitely bad there were no codes either.

AMG_Guy

Well I called my service adviser. It's going in to be checked out on Monday.

AMG_Guy

Well I got a call back from my service adviser today. He told me that they could definitely feel the shutter/hesitation and it's not normal. He said it's caused by the transmission control unit. I couldn't remember exactly what he said, but they either reset or cleared the TCU (or something like that) and tested the car and said the hesitation was gone.

If it comes back they say we will need to replace the transmission control unit.

They are also replacing my rain sensor (not working) and the bottom part of my driver's seat, since the heat stopped working on it.

Budget Baller

Glad to hear that worked for you. I'm curious if the TCU flash will resolve it permanently.

Keep us updated. If replacing the TCU fixes the issue. I may replace mine.

AMG_Guy

I'm not sure if what I was experiencing is what everyone calls the Tranny Jerk. When exactly is that felt? What does it feel like? I'm not sure if my c32 is doing that or not..

joeljp

Around 1500rpm, 1st and 2nd gear at low speed.

AMG_Guy

Does it jerk when shifting, or just went at 1500rpm's?

joeljp

It just jerks at 1500rpm. If it's changing gear up, then one would expect the rpm to drop slightly but it doesn't.

chris.bachman

My money says that it'll be fixed if the dealership updates your TCU software to the latest version.

AMG_Guy

Well I got the car back after they did whatever they did to the TCU and I don't notice any difference. If anything, it's worse. I'm getting a shutter when accelerating at just about any speed, especially uphill. On the highway cruising at 60, 70, or 80 I can feel the shutter.

I called my service adviser again. He ordered a new TCU, said they should have it tomorrow.

joeljp

Sorry to hear that... hope they can get sort it out for you once and for all. I can feel your frustration! What did they do anyway? I'm curious to know.

AMG_Guy

My invoice says they cleared adaptions of the torque converter and TCU and road tested and were not able to duplicate any harsh engagements of the torque converter.

joeljp

It sounds like all they did was the sneaky ECU reset. It usually works for about an hour and then it's back to normal. I hope they didn't charge you too much for the 2 mins it takes to reset the darn thing.

AMG_Guy

Well they replaced and recoded the TCU, that didn't help. They tested the Torque Converter, say that isn't the issue.

Now they have run the glycol test and it is apparently positive. They say they "found high traces of coolant in the fluid. The vehicle doesn’t fall into the range of the radiator concern, but we believe it is mixing."

When they replaced my Torque Converter back 2 months ago they did a glycol test and it was negative.

I'm not too happy.

What solutions do you think they will propose?

loudandheard

Trans flush and hopefully everything is still good.

AMG_Guy

I sure hope so, I'm worried they are going to say I need a new transmission.

loudandheard

There are a few members that had the contamination and were able to successfully flush the transmission with out any problems.

AMG_Guy

I'd love to fall into that category!

Would there be a reason if my dealer suggests a new transmission before trying to flush the transmission?

loudandheard

I guess it would depend if the glycol contamination has damaged the transmission, I just figure they would try the easy fix instead of the difficult fix, but I guess it all depends on the dealership.

AMG_Guy

I talked to my service guy today. He said they are going to goodwill replace the radiator and cover the labor, I'm just responsible for the new TCU and fluid.