gkoj4golf

I have a 2003 e500 and am taking my car in this week for a glycol test. I've been experiencing glycol contamination symptoms (I didn't know befoer I read older posts). My car is vibrating/droning etc at really mild acceleration at about the 1200 rpm mark. I know there are people that have already changed out their transmissions but I was wondering if anyone else was going through this problem now. I though maybe we could compare notes and findings.

MercFiveHundred

I am also but i got a negative glycol test. Update us on what happens. Search for my thread "Dead end tranny". Those are my symptons and what ive done, but the problem still persists.

mcleantmw

There are loads of threads and postings, such as mine, about this issue with the earlier W211 models you can do a Search for, especially the 03 Es. You can get the MB Tech Service Bulletins on transmissions......there are 2-3 of them, but the main one relates to the faulty Valeo radiator which causes coolant to enter the transmission and torque converter. There's another bulletin on the transmission electronic control module. I've had my radiator and torque converter replaced at the 40k mileage and the ECU replaced about a year later............seems to operate fine now with almost 70k miles on it but I do plan to have my transmission fluid changed every 40k miles for now on as a preventive maintenance approach.

gkoj4golf

Thank for the info. I read through the thread. Is the TCM part of a recommended fix or a separate issue all together? I did a search but did not see one regarding symptoms and replacement of just the TCM without glycol issues. Most people seem to go through the entire list of could be's and the TCM is included in it.

gkoj4golf

I'll also update. They still think it's a air mass sensor and are doing some more checking today. I've ordered a glycol test kit thanks to some info from KONIGSTIGER. They haven't called me with results yet. I guess I need to do the glycol test in a hurry. I don't want to be the guinea pig as they go through a bunch of "I think this will fix it" repairs.

mcleantmw

KONIGSTIGER has access to all the MB Tech Service Bulletins and he'll send you those that relate to your year/model vehicle if you PM him your email address. As I recall, the TCM has a separate Bulletin. But I'd bet you have the contamination issue.........that's the first thing to fix and then if there are still shift problems, you go from there to look at the other issues.

MercFiveHundred

How many miles on your car?

It most likely glycol if its under 65k. My problems started at 120k.

gkoj4golf

53K miles.

MercFiveHundred

Update?

gkoj4golf

Received the car back today. They said they disconnected the (not sure how) torque converter and it drove fine. They suspect the damage if any is at the torque converter. Waiting for a glycol test of the ATF for something conclusive. I will try and approach a dealer in hopes of a goodwill repair of some sort. I'll update again when i get the result of the glycol test with the extent of contamination.

MercFiveHundred

Torque converter? I think if it was the torque converter it would slip. It doesn't slip though, right? I dunno. It's definitely an electrical problem (if ur glycol test turns out negative). When i disconnect & reconnect my battery it is fine within the first mile, but comes back. I've done this on may occasions and there is an occasion where i took it to my mechanic and it stopped doing it. But acted up again the next day. Did you ask them about the MAF sensor? My mechanic wanted to change it, but after he hooked up his computer, he changed his mind. What about speed sensors? i got a code once that the front and rear speed sensors dont agree - changed the valve body and same problem (battery disconnect fooled me again at first LOL). I dont know if i should spend more money on this car because all i hear is "i dont know whats wrong so you might need a new tranny" LOL.

MercFiveHundred

Did you get the results back Golf?

gaazmon

My tranny went out at about 48K miles due to glycol. They changed tranny, cooling lines, radiator. I don't think they changed the torque converter as MercFiveHundred said, it would slip, and I don't remember it slipping at all.

gkoj4golf

No results yet. Sent it to Blackstone (rec from Konigster) and haven't received anything back yet. I'll update as soon as I get it. Fingers crossed...

MercFiveHundred

Almost two weeks and nothing back from Blackstone? LOL. I got my glycol test done at the dealership that i bought the car from and they waived the fee for it (and i got a 09 R350 loaner for the weekend). They did it in like an hour but as i said no glycol. I don't know about crossing your fingers, because it may be just as bad as glycol . As for myself, i've been driving it as is, not getting worse nor better. With the mileage in it, i might as well trade it in as cash for clunkers! LOL

Jen_Kenne

Is there a list of the symptoms of glycol contamination?

Jen_Kenne

There is no mechanical connection between the two halves of a torque converter. I doubt there is any way for them to disconnect a torque converter. It sounds like they are blowing smoke at you. I found this vido on youtube that explains how a torque converter works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvLoX0z9qoY

konigstiger

Not certain if gkoj4golf requested a goodwill test from dealer but not all dealers are willing to waive the cost especially in today's economy.

konigstiger

TC clutch can be deactivated with SDS.

Jen_Kenne

I thought they split up in 1968 and spun off into the SDS-WSA.

gkoj4golf

Sorry for the delay. I was out of town. I received the report back from Blackstone. There seems to be some antifreeze in the ATF fluid. Potassium is 16 and Sodium is 46, both properties in antifreeze. I haven't done anything to the car yet in anticipation of the worst (glycol contamination) so I guess now I go through and start with the radiator and work my way through the tranny.

I haven't approached dealers with a goodwill repair but I am not hopeful. I'll try a few (w/ report in hand) and see what they. I'll also look for an indy to do the work.

I guess the next question is how to proceed... Radiator and torque converter first?

bhongjr

My mechanic mentioned using a radiator sealant. Has anybody tried this? Any sealant recommendation?

vettdvr

Engine/Transmission mounts will cause the same problems. Mine failed at 80,000 miles.

vettdvr

Call them. They are great I use them on my aircraft engine.