Glycol test - Tranny problems '03 e500
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2003 e500
Glycol test - Tranny problems '03 e500
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.
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From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
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.
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From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
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.
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2003 e500
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.
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2003 e500
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.
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From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
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.
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2003 e500
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.
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From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
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.
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From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
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.
Did you get the results back Golf?
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2014 E550; 2003 E500
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
. 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
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Is there a list of the symptoms of glycol contamination?
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvLoX0z9qoY
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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.
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2003 e500
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?
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?
Last edited by gkoj4golf; Aug 30, 2009 at 02:02 AM.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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
. 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
