Transmission Malfunction
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2003 E500
Transmission Malfunction
Weirdest thing. I tried to enter the freeway this evening only to find my RPM's close to redline. The car would not accelerate beyond 40 MPH. I tried double pumping the accelerator and nothing but high revs, also tried to manually downshift no luck. I finally pulled off to the shoulder of the freeway shutdown and restarted the car and everything was fine. This is a real concern. Has anyone else experienced this? I wasn't that concerned when the radio crapped out and shutting down booted it back up but messing with the acceleration is scary.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
Get it checked out....
I had the same thing happen to my SLK a few years ago. Was accelerating off the lights, and trying not to let a Z3 cut in front of me.
Of course, that was easy, and the tranny didn't even need to shift into second. I guess I had the revs around 5,000 in 1st. However, to my embarassment, the car wouldn't shift into second, regardless of whether I took my foot of the gas or flooring it to redline. It just sat there on the rev-limiter, at 55 km/h, the Z3 obviously thinking I was holding him up on purpose.
I tried shifting the transmission manually, no luck. Eventually, like you, I had to pull over, and restart- no dramas ever since. Didn't even get it checked out.
My friend's W220 S430 also has had a similar problem- which required a brand new transmission at 450 kms.
However, I DO recommend you getting yours sent in for a look-see. It's a real safety issue IMHO.
Of course, that was easy, and the tranny didn't even need to shift into second. I guess I had the revs around 5,000 in 1st. However, to my embarassment, the car wouldn't shift into second, regardless of whether I took my foot of the gas or flooring it to redline. It just sat there on the rev-limiter, at 55 km/h, the Z3 obviously thinking I was holding him up on purpose.
I tried shifting the transmission manually, no luck. Eventually, like you, I had to pull over, and restart- no dramas ever since. Didn't even get it checked out.
My friend's W220 S430 also has had a similar problem- which required a brand new transmission at 450 kms.
However, I DO recommend you getting yours sent in for a look-see. It's a real safety issue IMHO.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
The transmission has a "limp-home" mode where it stays in second gear when it detects a fault in it's shift logic or other condition, so you can at least get to a safe spot. It will not shift up or down, only reverse. The first troubleshooting step is to stop for 10 seconds and restart. Most times that will cure it. You might want to have the dealer put it on the machine to read the codes if it happens. See manual p. 156
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
02 996 C2 Cabrio
I've been following stories like this...
and went to ask the dealer and service guys about these "issues". Reportedly, they have not had any "true" tranny problems. Shifting issues have been linked to inappropriate use by the driver, especially accidentally leaning on the shifter.
This really concerns me, but they assure me that the trannys have been fine...
This really concerns me, but they assure me that the trannys have been fine...
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
Food for thought....
If I was at or near red-line and couldn't get over 40mph, I wouldn't try to DOWNshift...I'd try to shift UP a gear.
Are you sure that you didn't inadvertantly manually downshift by tapping the stick to your left...creating the high rpm situation when you tried to accelerate?
Are you sure that you didn't inadvertantly manually downshift by tapping the stick to your left...creating the high rpm situation when you tried to accelerate?
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
02 996 C2 Cabrio
ffjxc... please keep us posted on your fix
I've heard of tranny shifting problems on the 211 several times now. I'm very interested in what the dealer finds on your car. I bet that the OBC will register "no faults".
Hmmm... I guess we'll see!
Good luck!
Hmmm... I guess we'll see!
Good luck!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Yes, that was limp-home mode.
I have had the same sort of tranny problems several times with my CLK55
A previous post of mine on the topic:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...t=transmission
As an sidenote, they replaced all the valve bodies on the fourth trip to the shop. It has not malfunctioned in a 1000 miles, but I would not bet money that the problem is fixed for good. They kept it three weeks and I authorized their head transmission guy to bring the car home with him and drive it alot in varying conditions to assist in diagnosis and repair.
What really pisses me off is that every time I bring it in, the service advisor starts off by telling me that it is possible that "I spilled something in the center console. You know they have all kinds of electronics and stuff in there." Come on...
I have had the same sort of tranny problems several times with my CLK55
A previous post of mine on the topic:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...t=transmission
As an sidenote, they replaced all the valve bodies on the fourth trip to the shop. It has not malfunctioned in a 1000 miles, but I would not bet money that the problem is fixed for good. They kept it three weeks and I authorized their head transmission guy to bring the car home with him and drive it alot in varying conditions to assist in diagnosis and repair.
What really pisses me off is that every time I bring it in, the service advisor starts off by telling me that it is possible that "I spilled something in the center console. You know they have all kinds of electronics and stuff in there." Come on...
Last edited by davidb; Feb 6, 2003 at 10:39 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
2004 E500
Originally posted by davidb
What really pisses me off is that every time I bring it in, the service advisor starts off by telling me that it is possible that "I spilled something in the center console. You know they have all kinds of electronics and stuff in there." Come on...
What really pisses me off is that every time I bring it in, the service advisor starts off by telling me that it is possible that "I spilled something in the center console. You know they have all kinds of electronics and stuff in there." Come on...
Now my 17 year old driving her '01 Corolla is another story
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2003 E320
I was reading the E-Class Operator's Manual last night, and I don't know if this may be relevant or not:
Page 120--Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer denotes excessive engine speed.
Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds, as it may result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.
Page 120--Tachometer
The red marking on the tachometer denotes excessive engine speed.
Avoid driving at excessive engine speeds, as it may result in serious engine damage that is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warranty.
To help protect the engine, the fuel supply is interrupted if the engine is operated within the red marking.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2002 e430
i have about 8k on my 2002 e430.....took it it to the dealership b/c i kept having probs with my car not moving out of 2nd, they blamed it on the ECU. fixed it, (new ECU)
lastnight, again same prob.
i have to take it in 2day in order to get my tranny checked out.....
this is the second time i have had tranny probs with it, ....any suggs from you guys would really helpl.
this is my first post on this forum,.....
thanks,
oscar
lastnight, again same prob.
i have to take it in 2day in order to get my tranny checked out.....
this is the second time i have had tranny probs with it, ....any suggs from you guys would really helpl.
this is my first post on this forum,.....
thanks,
oscar
