Beamanmc

Hello,

I have done a lot of research on the symptoms which has just made me incredibly paranoid about my car. The "jerk" that seems to be an issue for everyone has too may posts end with anything from a disabled car to not a problem at all.

I have a 2002 c32 AMG with 135k. I bought it at 132k and had all the fluids flushed and replaced.

This winter when the car has been cold, the transmission seems to constantly slip before getting into 3rd gear. The RPMs drop hard around 1500-2k and it doesnt seem to shift correctly. I have used the manual shifting option and all the gears seem fine. Once the car warms up the jerk/drop goes away and it seems fine.

I have tried to figure out if I have a Valeo radiator, but I have not been able to see a sticker or anything that points to a manufacturer. The car was built 03/02.

I would like to take it to a shop and find out if I have anything to worry about, but not exactly sure what "tests" can be run where they will say "yes your car is ****ed you need a new tranny, etc" or "everythings good, enjoy your day." A lot of people seem to have their world ended by similar symptoms, or just ignore. I just need to know if it is a real problem or just something to accept.

I have read the "problem" can be tranny related, torque converter related, glycol, etc.

Any advice would be great, trying to take it in ASAP

Lenin

My car was build during the same time (since I took the delivery in April of 2002) and it had the Valeo radiator. I did not have the contamination problem but I replaced the radiator many years ago just in case.

fleishman

Do you see a change after you reset the shift points?

My 02 with 130k mi shifts hard into second sometimes, dependent on when the tcu tells the torque converter to engage. It is a little worse on super cold mornings here in Maine. If I reset the computer it shifts nice and smooth until it learns a slightly lower shift point from around town driving.
A fix that was suggested was to flash the tcu. The dealership quoted 2 hours labor to put a newer year model programing with no guarantee. Or, you could pay about the same from a tuner to upgrade shift points etc.

Lenin

Regarding the radiator, yours could have been changed already. You should check first. My "jerk" problem was fixed some time in 2006 by changing some valve body parts and possibly a wire harness connected to that valve body. The dealer also refused to put the 2003 software on my 2002. If you are in the NY/north NJ area, I can lend you my EC flashed TCU to try and see if it changes anything.

fleishman

Oh! Do not forget to check your tcu for oil back up! If you haven't read about it yet, find your tcu behind the passenger foot well and check it for trans fluid. A connector at the transmission leaks and the oil wicks all the way up the cloth wire wrap to the computer.. I got lucky, mine was wet to the plug but dry in the tcu.

Beamanmc

Thanks guys! dropped it off at shop tonight where they will do a glycol test and check for any issues with the transmission and torque converter. I will be sure to mention these possibilities when they call me tho! Really can't afford a lemon benz so hopefully there wont be anything serious to worry about

Beamanmc

mmmm so glycol contamination. 1300 to replace radiator and flush, but still leaves a 50% chance that tranny and torque converter are done (7800). so basically 50% chance it will only cost 1300, 50% chance it will be $9100. Looks like im going to carmax.

what sucks worse is my inspection is out of date due to tires. So i need to buy tires for a car i am about to sell. what a great day

fleishman

Might want a second opinion for that money?

Beamanmc

These guys seem to know their stuff and have done work on my car previously. All certified benz techs. The problem is clear, glycol contamination. Any new transmission and torque converter will be at least 5k plus installation. Seems like the safer bet to just get rid of it. if it had half the miles I'd think harder about it :/

Lenin

These prices are crazy. And the glycol test usually takes a little longer. Not too many shops have the right test equipment on hand. But selling the car is not a bad move to concider in your situation.

Beamanmc

they said they had the right equipment to test for the antifreeze contamination. I mean the prices are along the lines of everything else i've read about new transmissions and torque converters plus install. either way, even if it were 5k thats still 5k i could be putting towards a lessor car with half the miles. I had a 2004 mazda3 before this (traded it and 1k for the benz) so I dont need anything this classy with my next car. just something reliable with a lot less miles. blah this sucks

ddtham

That shucks! If I remember correctly though, RennTech can do transmission upgrade and rebuild for $2K. It includes forged internals if my memory serves me right.

Beamanmc

http://www.renntechmercedes.com/www/node/210

I'd need to get the torque converter replaced as well...Don't want to risk it even for that much. turning into a money pit even if that would fix this problem