Shifting problems before warmed up
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1
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From: Chicago Suburb
2001 CLK 430
Shifting problems before warmed up
I was fortunate enough to purchase a 2001 CLK 430 Coupe with just under 30k miles from my wife's cousin. Been stored every winter and with a new set of tire the car looks showroom new. My only problem has been shifting when cold (not air temp but cold transmission). It feels like the torque converter is locked up. Taking your foot off the gas for the first few miles results in the car slowing like you dropped anchor. I have cleaned the throttle body and slightly adjusted the throttle cable (took up a small amount of slack) with no change in driveability. Gas mileage on long drives is good in the 24-25 mpg range. Any thoughts on the issue would be appreciated.
Thanks
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I think you may find this is normal mate.
How are the gear changes when the engine is at operating temp? do they change normally once warm.
Mercedes auto typically 'hold' the gear changes when cold to raise the revs in order to get the the cats warmed as quickly as possible. My C Class, E Class and CLK have all done this, If like me you have tiptronic I like to change up the gears when cold to keep the revs lower just for comfort mainly.
How are the gear changes when the engine is at operating temp? do they change normally once warm.
Mercedes auto typically 'hold' the gear changes when cold to raise the revs in order to get the the cats warmed as quickly as possible. My C Class, E Class and CLK have all done this, If like me you have tiptronic I like to change up the gears when cold to keep the revs lower just for comfort mainly.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 280
Likes: 8
02' CLK 430
I would try changing the transmission fluid out. If the car has been sitting awhile it may be original and old. Doesn't hurt to do...it may improving cold weather shifting and is a normal maintenance item every 30,000 miles or so anyhow.
KRis
KRis
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 535
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From: Pottstown, PA
'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
I would agree with changing the fluid first, I don't experience any issues with the cold transmission as you describe. Typical is the car will hold the lower gear as described, but getting off the gas shouldn't feel like an anchor has dropped.
