Transmission issues
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Transmission issues
I had posted a week or so ago that my tranny was acting funny, well today takes the cake. It doesn't want to shift into 5th gear even when I try to manually shift. The car is fully warmed up and it still doesn't want to shift into 5th. About 20 minutes ago I was taking a right hand turn and my car felt sluggish so I pressed down on the gas and it started picking up speed but VERY slowly so I floored it to the kick down switch and nothing changed just kept accelerating slowly. I then manually shifted down to 2nd which did nothing and then I shifted down to first which did nothing for about 2 seconds then it kicked down to 1st and ROCKETED. After the explosive takeoff I shifted from 1st-4th with no problems. At that point I was almost to my house and I decided to park my AMG at home and take out the honda for the day as I needed to head back to work and didn't want to deal with it. I would like to mention that a long time ago I started a thread about a vibration at takeoff, I am almost positive this is a vibration from my transmission that occurs around 1500-1800 rpm in first or second. I had the tranny serviced by MB about 3 months ago and I had the B service done by MB about a month ago and they didn't mention anything. What do you guys think, is my tranny is going bad?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
I am going to try the ECU reset (really its a TCU reset) and see if that does anything. I am wondering if perhaps I am low on ATF even though MB didn't mention any leaks...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Sorry to hear that but I would get in on the STAR to check any codes, but my first and simple guess would be to get checked the ATF level in the box.My C240T winter and work horse has been acting weird also
. Had ALL oil fluids changes, engine + filter, ATF + filter, rear diff by my trusted retired MB mechanic less than 2k kms ago. The car has started making a wining noise at low speed from time to time which stops when I apply gently the brakes, something like an old speedo cable which need oiling (doesn't exist in our cars I think!??!). Thought it could be a front wheel bearing. Checked that nothing. Got the car up on stands and checked the transmission flex joints. No problems nor wear. No wear in the intermediate transmission shaft bearing either. No piece of wire hanging or rubbing against something moving. Makes the noise when turning in right hand corners or going in circles to the rightSo to make a long story short, I booked the car in the local MD dealer who took it in for two days. They heard some noise but couldn't pin point the source. Dismantled and checked wheel bearing, no problem and like new. Just wondering now if a spring in the brake calliper could be dislodged and rubbing against something in movement...
Any ideas??
Thanks for your help.
P.S. As the dealer has the case still open till next week, I may ask them to do a new ATF and filter change then. Can't do any harm IMO and could see if something has broken and lying in the bottom of the pan. I'm driving south over the Alps this week-end. Hope I don't break down....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
The first thing I'd do is to dump the codes. It could be something simple like a speed sensor or the plate. If the transmission cable harness o-ring hasn't been changed (there is an updated o-ring) you may want to check that - you'll have to look/touch it to see if it's wet.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
The first thing I'd do is to dump the codes. It could be something simple like a speed sensor or the plate. If the transmission cable harness o-ring hasn't been changed (there is an updated o-ring) you may want to check that - you'll have to look/touch it to see if it's wet. I would love to have a new transmission but definitely do not have the $5000 to drop on a new transmission right now. I will keep you guys posted on the outcome...
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 84
From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
If you do need a rebuild, Sun Valley has been rebuilding Benz transmissions for decades, ship anywhere, and they currently list a 1999 C43 transmission and torque converter as $2500 exchange.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Texas
W203 C55 and SAAB 9-3 2.0T
I will probably need a new tranny as I posted before I have a slight vibration that I am pretty sure is from the transmission so even if this problem doesn't require a new transmission the vibration makes me want to get one. I replaced both flex discs, the center support bearing, and U joints and still have the vibration. I don't think the driveshaft is out of balance as I would imagine I would feel the vibration at any speed where I only feel the vibration in 1st or 2nd around 1500-1800 rpm. It isn't anything that is terrible and I have had people say they don't even feel it but I do and bothers the crap out of me. I can live the with the vibration for a little while but I can't live with how it's acting now so hopefully I can postpone the new tranny for a little while while I save up some coin, damn holidays are killing me. The worst part is this puts a little damper on my suspension project as I will be spending my money on this as opposed to getting the K-Mac camber kits that I wanted to complete the suspension. I guess the springs and shocks will be sitting around a little while longer
If its really gone then find yourself a nice E55 tranny and don't look back. Sucks about the shocks and springs, all in due time.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
UPDATE:
I haven't had the time to take my car into MB (I will be taking it in next week) but I did do the TCU reset (at least I think I did, I hate how there is no confirmation that you did it right or not) and no change. It doesn't want to shift into 5th and it seems like when you come to a stop it doesn't kick down so when you take off you are starting in 3rd or 4th it will accelerate but REAL slow until you get into the higher RPM's. This really makes me sad as I LOVE my C43 and I had such big plans for her but I guess they will have to wait. I will post MB's diagnosis as soon as I get her in.
I haven't had the time to take my car into MB (I will be taking it in next week) but I did do the TCU reset (at least I think I did, I hate how there is no confirmation that you did it right or not) and no change. It doesn't want to shift into 5th and it seems like when you come to a stop it doesn't kick down so when you take off you are starting in 3rd or 4th it will accelerate but REAL slow until you get into the higher RPM's. This really makes me sad as I LOVE my C43 and I had such big plans for her but I guess they will have to wait. I will post MB's diagnosis as soon as I get her in.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,490
Likes: 5
From: Dallas, Texas
W203 C55 and SAAB 9-3 2.0T
Good luck to you sir. Its not over til the fat MB tech sings, so keep your spirits up! Might not be a total loss on the whole unit. Now, if you take the car to the stealership they are going to tell you to buy a whole new tranny and hell- maybe event try and sell you a whole new car. Make sure you have a trusted tech look at it for you. Everyone else will take you for a fool. This happened with my Audi A6 4.2, dealer ship told me the tranny would be 8k installed and asked if I would like to speak with someone in sales about an upgrade??? Jerks. It ended up being simple fluid change.
This happened with my Audi A6 4.2, dealer ship told me the tranny would be 8k installed and asked if I would like to speak with someone in sales about an upgrade??? Jerks. It ended up being simple fluid change.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
I'll second the fluid level. Most MB transmissions are ridiculously sensitive to the type of fluid and the correct fluid level. Either or can cause some crazy weird problems, I'm hoping it is something simple man. Finger crossed here! Keep us posted.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
UPDATE:
I appreciate all the helpful tips guys. The fluid integrity isn't in question here as I just had the tranny serviced by MB about 3 months ago, although it is possible that the fluid is low. I think I have found the culprit...
I noticed while driving it that the "D" wasn't lit up, all the other numbers (4,3,2,1,P,N,R) lit up just fine and seem to shift when I shifted it in manually. I took it out on the freeway and got up to 4th when I had it in "D" and it wouldn't shift to 5th, I jiggled the gear selector until the "D" lit up and BOOOOOOOOOM she shifted into 5th. As long as the "D" was lit she downshifted and upshifted just fine. I had replaced the little electronic gear selector thing (can't remember the name of the part but I did keep the box so I have the part number, I will post it later when I get home) about 2 or 3 months ago and I am pretty sure this is the issue. Unfortunately I will have to pull this apart again which wasn't very fun and see what the issue is, perhaps even get a replacement from MB. I will keep you guys posted.
Again thanks for all the support
I appreciate all the helpful tips guys. The fluid integrity isn't in question here as I just had the tranny serviced by MB about 3 months ago, although it is possible that the fluid is low. I think I have found the culprit...
I noticed while driving it that the "D" wasn't lit up, all the other numbers (4,3,2,1,P,N,R) lit up just fine and seem to shift when I shifted it in manually. I took it out on the freeway and got up to 4th when I had it in "D" and it wouldn't shift to 5th, I jiggled the gear selector until the "D" lit up and BOOOOOOOOOM she shifted into 5th. As long as the "D" was lit she downshifted and upshifted just fine. I had replaced the little electronic gear selector thing (can't remember the name of the part but I did keep the box so I have the part number, I will post it later when I get home) about 2 or 3 months ago and I am pretty sure this is the issue. Unfortunately I will have to pull this apart again which wasn't very fun and see what the issue is, perhaps even get a replacement from MB. I will keep you guys posted.
Again thanks for all the support
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,890
Likes: 323
From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Well, if THAT is the culprit you just saved yourself some chunk of green bills Hope all works out well
Hope all works out well
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
