E320 Trans fluid wicking to ECU...
Hi, just got some bad news from my mb dealer:

Had 'my 97 E320 w/100k miles in for routine service, not having any problems what-so-ever. Dealer says that on my trans the wires from the transmission going to the ecu are 'wicking' trans fluid to the ecu and are making it wet with fluid. Dealer wants $2800. to repair ($1500. for 2 ecu's and $1300 to put them in).

Does this sound right?? Has anyone else had this problem?? Is there an easier fix to this or am I stuck with his repair costs. My trans shows no problems at all right now but I don't know when or how drastic the failure (when it happens) will be.

Any input would be greatly appreciated....

Ken

 

At least thats what it sounds like to me.

You do know where your computers are located, don't you?

Ask yourself how the fluid can run uphill and leap from the tranny fluid tube over to and get inside that computer box which is pretty well sealed? There is no direct connection that I know of from the tranny to the area where that computer is housed. There are wires, but still . . ?

Take a phillips head screw driver and remove that cover to the computer box. There are only four screws. Check inside for tranny fluid. I think you'll find that the area around the brown (the smallest computer of the three) computer will be dry. If it isn't, then they speak truthfully. But if everything is working correctly, why replace the computer? Fix the leak IF there is any, which I seriously doubt!

Which dealer is trying to do this robbery? We must know so as to avoid him like the plague! My "ex" dealer just recently wanted $260 to fix my right side brake light. They said the entire taillight assembly need replacing. I found out that the part was only $67. I fixed the problem myself for the price of two bulbs, about $5.
Also, they said I needed a new belt tensioner because mine was noisy. I don't think there is anything wrong with my original, as I cannot hear any strange noises. He wanted only $445 for that little job! Can you imagine? That part lists for less than $50.
Needless to say, FJMBZ in Newport Beach, California has seen the last of me. There are many dealers in my area, and I'm hoping to find one that is honest, and not trying to rip people off. I don't mind paying any reasonable price for something when it is needed, but those two examples show you what I'm talking about.

Check with an independant mechanic about that fluid "whicking" condition. I don't think that can happen, but I've been wrong before.

Good luck, and let us know what happens.

 

sorry, I don't know where the ecu's are but would like to take a look like you mentioned.

Where are the 4 screws that you are referring to??

"Take a phillips head screw driver and remove that cover to the computer box. There are only four screws."

-Ken

 

Guess what guys i got some bad news for you two. I had a 97 C280 and had the same problem, the tranny fluid was going up to the computer box. Why or how i dont know but before the dealer did anything they showed me the problem and there was tranny fluid in the box where the ECU's are located.
HUBERT

 

how did they repair it??? Did you have to pay to get it repaired or was it still under warr?? If you paid, how much??

 

Perhaps mine is different because it is a diesel?

There is a black rectangular shaped box on the passenger side under the hood near the firewall on the diesels that has a label that says that the battery is under the seat. This container houses the computers, and its top is secured with phillips head screws at each corner, at least that's the way it is on my car. I can't be sure about the gas E-320s, but wouldn't they be about the same?

Sorry if I'm wrong . . I'm only trying to help.

 

Same thing in gas engines its located under hood passanger side and it says battery under the hood.

Yes they fixed it but i know i did not pay so much money for it, same thing in your case why they want to replace your CPU's if there is nothing wrong with them. It was like 2 years ago so i dont remember exactly what they replaced. Sorry.
HUBERT

 

I had the same problem with my E320 CDI after 39000 miles (about 5 months ago), the dealer said it would cost £1000 to fix but I managed to get them to pay half of it as it's a known fault with the car....The amount your dealer is charging sounds even worse!! Try another dealer and see what they say.