Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum and need some advice. Why is it that my E430 keeps moving off in 2nd gear although the W/S switch is on S? It hardly moves off in 1st. Any suggestions?

 

are you using to determine that you are moving off in 2nd gear and not really moving off in first?
Is the transmission slipping in first until it engages second and the slippage ceases?
Have you tried a reset of the tcu to factory specs and observed how that affects shift points and rpm's?
Just some ponderables to ponder

 

What does "it hardy moves off in 1st" mean?

Does it quick shift to second?

 

Hi OhLord, I know the difference between moving in 1st and 2nd, it's not slipping in 1st either, when it's in D and I select 1st manually I can feel when 1st engages.

 

Hi MAllison, sometimes very rare it moves in 1st, another example is, if I manual shift it on a short journey, on my return when D is selected it moves in 1st automatically.

 

It could be that the W/S switch is mal-functioning. It could also be that the parts in the valve body are not working properly.

The transmission used in the 1997 - 1999 have issues with certain parts in the valve body. Two parts are directly responsible for the 1 -> 2 shifting: one is a solenoid (that is also for the 4 -> 5 shift) and a valve/spring called "regulating valve overlap 1 -> 2". For up to 1999, another spring (not the one I mentioned) is known to break.

The best thing you can do is to find someone who can scan the EGS (ETC) DTC. There might be a root or stored DTC in there to pin point the problem.

Or if you are going to do a fluid/filter change soon, you can check all these springs one by one to see if any is broken or collapsed. They are very inexpensive.