Joe Hogan

Hey guys,

Last night, while at a stop light, I completely lost forward and reverse. The tranny would shift into P, N, ans well as D & R, but no movement. Some people helped me push it off road, and after sitting for a few minutes, it was able to move on it's own power...for about a block, then nothing again. I eventually limped it home this way (about 3 blocks).

My initial thought was a blown out torque converter, but no metallic chunking soulds, plus when I let it sit, the car transferred plenty of torque to the wheels.

My next thought was low tranny fluid. When it sits, it'll drain enough back in the pan for the pump to pick up.

This was at 11:00 PM, so I waited till today to begin troubleshooting.

Believe it or not, my local AutoZone actually had a Dorman tranny dipstick in stock, so I purchased it and checked levels. This is where things are interesting.

Dead cold, not started since last night, my fluid level was real high. Above the 80°C mark. It also seemed thin (I suspect coolant from Valeo Radiator), but it wasn't emulsified (maybe I got lucky and caught it early). When I wiped the oil on a napkin, it did have a slightly green tint.
(just realized as i'm writing this that the car was off, not started when I did initial measurements)

I started the car to read hot levels. Once at 80°C, the dipstick level was in the 20°C range. I probably need to go back and read the cold level with the vehicle started after it cools back down.

How can I be certain that there's coolant in my oil? I do have a valeo radiator.

It may be low. Just need to go back and check cold temps while running.

Any thoughts and insight is helpful. Also, what route should I take to replace radiator (if it's the problem)? New replacement, or standard radiator with separate oil cooler?

And finally, I haven't dropped the tranny pan yet, but will be doing that. Should I suspect damage?

Thanks,

Plutoe

Find someone with DAS Xentry diagnostic software or equal and have them do a short test!!

Anker

Automatic transmission fluid levels are measured with the engine running. Since you are at the 20 degree level when the engine is at 80 degrees your level is low.

Rudeney

You just answered your own question. My understanding is that all Valeo radiators will fail and allow coolant and transmission oil to mix.

xsever

I ran into this problem a couple of years back and here is my thread about it:

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...vibration.html

Joe Hogan

Definitely going to replace radiator, and do a tranny flush. Hopefully, torque converter didn't sustain any damage. If so.....maybe I'll be looking for a rebuild pack and a stall...lol

JonMBZ

a glycol test kit is used at the dealer to test for contamination.