Transmission issue
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 96
Likes: 13
From: Waterloo, Ontario
2005 E320 CDI,
Transmission issue
2005 E320 CDI,
Transmission is 722.6 5 spd
Having issues with the transmission shifting.
There is delayed engagement when shifting into R and D.
There is a shudder when starting off, 0 to 25-30 kms/hr.
Limp mode shortly after I start off, stuck in 3rd gear.
No dash CEL.
I have an MB2 scannner and found,
P2561 - Implausible gear or transmission is slipping.
Scanner also shows lock up clutch open/slipping when driving.
Transmission temperature up to 111 C.
What I have done so far.
New ATF fluid/ filter (Fuchs Titan 4134), 4 liters
New conductor plate.
New connector and O rings.
Cleaned and inspected valve body, no excess slop of valves in bores, all solenoids resistance checked, all OK.
Cleaned TCU with contact cleaner.
Does it make sense that my P2561 code and the lock up clutch slipping indicate that my torque converter is at fault?
Or is it pointing to something else?
Transmission is 722.6 5 spd
Having issues with the transmission shifting.
There is delayed engagement when shifting into R and D.
There is a shudder when starting off, 0 to 25-30 kms/hr.
Limp mode shortly after I start off, stuck in 3rd gear.
No dash CEL.
I have an MB2 scannner and found,
P2561 - Implausible gear or transmission is slipping.
Scanner also shows lock up clutch open/slipping when driving.
Transmission temperature up to 111 C.
What I have done so far.
New ATF fluid/ filter (Fuchs Titan 4134), 4 liters
New conductor plate.
New connector and O rings.
Cleaned and inspected valve body, no excess slop of valves in bores, all solenoids resistance checked, all OK.
Cleaned TCU with contact cleaner.
Does it make sense that my P2561 code and the lock up clutch slipping indicate that my torque converter is at fault?
Or is it pointing to something else?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 96
Likes: 13
From: Waterloo, Ontario
2005 E320 CDI,
Conductor plate purchased new from online German Parts supplier.
As well, talked to a transmission specialist today, and seemingly knows the 722.6 tranny.
His thoughts based on my verbal conversation is that the lock up clutch plates within the torque converter are kaput and suggests rebuilding it.
With the caveat, that nothing else is wrong within the transmission and or conductor plate / valve body.
Cost is astronomical, upwards of 5-6 k.
He did suggest also to vacuum test the valve body to ensure that valving is sound.
YIKES
As well, talked to a transmission specialist today, and seemingly knows the 722.6 tranny.
His thoughts based on my verbal conversation is that the lock up clutch plates within the torque converter are kaput and suggests rebuilding it.
With the caveat, that nothing else is wrong within the transmission and or conductor plate / valve body.
Cost is astronomical, upwards of 5-6 k.
He did suggest also to vacuum test the valve body to ensure that valving is sound.
YIKES
Last edited by tbeiler; Jul 31, 2023 at 05:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 96
Likes: 13
From: Waterloo, Ontario
2005 E320 CDI,
The 4 liters was only a partial, not a full flush. My intent was to do another 4 liter change after x time.
I agree that getting a scan at the dealer and getting a recommendation might be the best way to go.
Hoping its not the torque converter or worse, I can deal with valve body, conductor plate and TCM.
Will update as I get more info.
Thanks for the help.
I agree that getting a scan at the dealer and getting a recommendation might be the best way to go.
Hoping its not the torque converter or worse, I can deal with valve body, conductor plate and TCM.
Will update as I get more info.
Thanks for the help.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 96
Likes: 13
From: Waterloo, Ontario
2005 E320 CDI,
I did get the valve body out and disassemble it, I also checked all the solenoids and they were still in spec, I also put new O rings in the solenoids.
I also put in a new conductor plate, and then of course changed the trans oil.
None of these things made any changes to the shudder that I got when accelerating. Every time the car would go into limp mode.
At a minimum my torque converter needed replacing or worse case scenario it would need a used / rebuilt transmission.
I did not want to spend more big dollars on the car.
So, I sold the car, with new owner knowing about the trans issues.
I really do miss driving this car, I wish I could find another.
I also put in a new conductor plate, and then of course changed the trans oil.
None of these things made any changes to the shudder that I got when accelerating. Every time the car would go into limp mode.
At a minimum my torque converter needed replacing or worse case scenario it would need a used / rebuilt transmission.
I did not want to spend more big dollars on the car.
So, I sold the car, with new owner knowing about the trans issues.
I really do miss driving this car, I wish I could find another.
Last edited by tbeiler; Nov 13, 2025 at 04:02 PM. Reason: need to add more info
