Transmission slipping < 30 F
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
Transmission slipping < 30 F
I have a 2009 e320 bluetec. Then the weather was 27 F and car first starts, the transmission seems to slip. RPM goes up and the car hardly moves. This happens both in reverse and drive. After about 1/4 mile, the transmission seems normal.
Is this normal for a diesel? Is the computer allow a higher rpm so the engine doesn't lug? 1500+ rpm for 2 to 5 mph.
How was your bluetec behaving during the recent cold snap?
Is this normal for a diesel? Is the computer allow a higher rpm so the engine doesn't lug? 1500+ rpm for 2 to 5 mph.
How was your bluetec behaving during the recent cold snap?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
+1 on ATF level. Low levels aren't always (in fact rarely) picked up by the TCM. Also, hard codes on the transmission often do not throw a CEL.
Is you car a 5 speed or 7 speed?
Check the ATF level, then go to a shop with a STAR diagnostic machine or equivalent that can read and clear transmission codes and get a print-out.
It's common for the engine to idle at a higher RPM until the engine is warmed up. Often around 1,000 RPM at freezing; even higher at -20C (-4F).
Is you car a 5 speed or 7 speed?
Check the ATF level, then go to a shop with a STAR diagnostic machine or equivalent that can read and clear transmission codes and get a print-out.
It's common for the engine to idle at a higher RPM until the engine is warmed up. Often around 1,000 RPM at freezing; even higher at -20C (-4F).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
Thanks. It a 7G NAG2 transmission with ATF134 that was had a fluid change 2 years ago at an IND. I was not sure of the quality of the work. I supplied the parts and 12 quarts of Shell ATF 134. He said the pan was removed and TC drained. Said 8 quarts were used, but 6 quarts out of 12 quart case was returned to me.
This is the first time the car has seen < 30 F weather.
This is the first time the car has seen < 30 F weather.
Last edited by dave2001auto; Feb 20, 2016 at 09:35 PM. Reason: typo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
It could just be a slight bit low. When transmissions are a little low, they will improve as they warm up - the ATF will expand and the hydraulic properties improve when warm.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
No tranny dipstick. Will need to remove un-carriage cover, etc. Is there an atf level indicator on the SDS STAR computer?
Now the weathers warms up, will the tranny codes be lost?
Now the weathers warms up, will the tranny codes be lost?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
+1 on ATF level. Low levels aren't always (in fact rarely) picked up by the TCM. Also, hard codes on the transmission often do not throw a CEL.
Is you car a 5 speed or 7 speed?
Check the ATF level, then go to a shop with a STAR diagnostic machine or equivalent that can read and clear transmission codes and get a print-out.
It's common for the engine to idle at a higher RPM until the engine is warmed up. Often around 1,000 RPM at freezing; even higher at -20C (-4F).
Is you car a 5 speed or 7 speed?
Check the ATF level, then go to a shop with a STAR diagnostic machine or equivalent that can read and clear transmission codes and get a print-out.
It's common for the engine to idle at a higher RPM until the engine is warmed up. Often around 1,000 RPM at freezing; even higher at -20C (-4F).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 493
Likes: 14
84 300d 2009 e320 bluetec (retired)/, now 2012 E350 4-matic blueefficiency automatic
1st INDY said low ATF and delayed shifting into R and F. Said fluid was burnt. He wanted to do a flush using genuine Mercedes ATF without dropping the pan. That would be $400 in fluid alone! I said wanted pan dropped, TC drained, filter changed and visual inspection for metal in the pan. He didn't want to work on my car and charged $104 for the diagnosis that I paid. From the spilled ATF on the car, it smelled normal to me.
2nd INDY did as instructed. No tranny codes. He noted ATF was clean and fresh, no burnt smell. Filter was on the disconnected on the bottom of the pan. Normal to low amount of metal in the pan. Filled with Shell ATF 134, ran until 70 C to get air out of all the lines, let cool over night, and adjust fluid level when at 45C with scanner.
It's warm now, so I don't know if the the problem of no acceleration for a few minutes at
Last edited by dave2001auto; May 15, 2016 at 01:11 PM.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 118
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
I've had low tranny fluid before, and it always surprises me how well these transmissions (5 and 7 speed) run on low fluid. It seems that if you were to err in fill volume, it's better to be too low than too full.
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
