What a way to start the hoidays. My transmission is stuck in first gear, and my mechanic just told me I need a new one. Has anyone had this problem. Also, could this have happend because when I was on the freeway going about 85, my father hit my stick and dropped my gear into 1st. HHhmmmm.

Nah, the computer won't let it drop into first at all. It'll only let it go to the lowest possible while still being safe. That's pretty terrible that you need a new one I'm sorry

About couple months ago my CLK55 wouldn't upshift from 2 to 3 gear for at least 2 miles on the local street. I had to stop and shut down ignition, then restart again. The problem went away and drove smoothly there after. I assumed it was a computer glitch and never happen again.

John

I wish it was that simply, I'm try'n to fly to Hawaii for the holidays. My mechanic said that my second and third selinoids are sticking, whatever that means?

Yeap, Baaa Humm Buggg!

Take a look at the valve body. I had a similar problem a year or two ago where it would go into neutral after 3rd gear. A $610 valve body and a fluid/filter changed fixed that up and we were back on the road.

The majority of cars that come into the shop with tranny problems have trans control module issues or valve body issues. Very rarely do the 722.6
trannys grenade. Just don't forget to do the trans maintenance like fluid changes and filter changes. Also keep an eye on the trans electrical connectors. They have a strong tendency to leak.

I would try some transmission additives before shelling out that kind of cash. Lubricants go for $2 and in my opinion is worth a shot.

My car gets slammed into gear from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th. The car has done only 55 000 miles, and is a 98 230 kompressor by the way. It puts out about 195 bhp, how can it have such a short-lived transmission?
Mechanic says tranny has to be rebuilt, but valve body should be ok.
Rebuilding costs 2000 bucks here.

Anyone got any ideas?

By the way, a system was run thru the ECU, and it showed some abnormal torque readings during those gear-shifts. A reset was done but the problem was persistent.
Quite amazing how the ECU captures everything.
Quite amazing too my tranny is dying.

This is good stuff, unfortunately I'm in Cali on vacation and my 430 at my office in DC. I'll try the lube.

Come to find out it was the valve body, MB service will cost $1,200. Is that a good price and can I find a better one? I'm dying to get back into the 430.

Ooo sorry to hear that I hope you sort it!

My 430 always makes a phsssh noise when it changes gear,always worried me that.A E200 I drove for a month (after two chumps ran into the back of me @ 40 ) didnt make that noise.

Don't know if you're a handy guy....but the valve body is a pretty easy replacement. You can pick one up for about 6 - 700 and install it in less than 10 mins. If you have access to a lift of course.

Not that handy, but thx for the heads up. I think I found a good MB technician, so we'll see what happens. It's way to cold out here to keep walk'n to work.

If TresX right, maybe the MB technician is willing to do the work himself not through the MB garage that would save you some $$$ if you supply the part.

Yes, I'm right....Just take the trans. pan off, remove the 7mm bolt holding the electrical connector, then 9 bolts hold the valve body on. Ask MBTech208....he'll verify