C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Is my trans starting to get unhappy?.....

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Old Nov 20, 2013 | 11:52 AM
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2003 C32
Is my trans starting to get unhappy?.....

2003 C32......55K miles......stock drive train except for open air intake. Had Gylcol test during PPI and trans was not contaminated. Don't know 100% if the radiator was ever replaced or how far into the 2003 model year production there was still a risk of failure. My cars build date is June 2002 according to drivers door sticker, clearly a very early 03...........probably the damn radiator.

Have owned since 41K miles. Until 2 days ago the trans has always seemed 100% fine, smooth. Now under light to moderate acceleration I'm experiencing only what I can describe as "jerky" feeling, almost like you'd feel when a tire is out of balance. Like the trans is having an issue putting smooth power down. It occurs on average between 1600 and 2100 RPM's. No jerks between shifts but something is not right. Under a heavier foot it goes away but I'm VERY concerned that this could be the start of a much larger issue.

So......next steps? I have not changed trans fluid/filter yet. Was on my list of things to do in the next month. I believe it's probably original. I read that it's also a good idea to check for fluid by the TCM. Any "how to's" on that proceedure? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.
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Old Nov 20, 2013 | 12:17 PM
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'03 C32 AMG, '07 E92 335i, '85 BMW5 E28
I believe this is your Torque converter? Hope some other members can confirm this?
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Old Nov 20, 2013 | 12:18 PM
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'03 C32 AMG, '07 E92 335i, '85 BMW5 E28
And this is normal as far as I know..
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Old Nov 20, 2013 | 12:21 PM
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03 C32 AMG
Try a go-pedal reset yet? That may help!
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Old Nov 20, 2013 | 12:33 PM
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2003 C32
Originally Posted by BobC32AMG
I believe this is your Torque converter? Hope some other members can confirm this?
I would agree........torque converter but far from normal. Never felt like this is my almost 2.5 years of ownership. Car has been so good to me, really hope if it is glycol that I can get this resolved before it's a issue. Not driving it again until I know for sure.
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Old Nov 21, 2013 | 04:12 PM
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2003 C32
Update...........pulled the TCU and sure enough the cable seal is starting to fail. Got very lucky........TCU itself and pins were dry/clean but the fluid was making its way up the wires. Ordered the parts for a trans service. Will have glycol test and if it's bad news I'll hope I got it early (only 1 day like this, less than 40 miles). Radiator replacement and trans service with fluid/filter, etc. Hoping for the best......I love this damn car.
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