Transmission flare when cold
03-13-2014 | 02:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
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GL320 CDI
Transmission flare when cold
Hey guys..
Just wanted to throw this out and see if I should be concerned?
When I leave the GL overnight, the first drive out of the driveway when it shifts from first to second it flares... Basically what it feels like is when it comes to shift, it feels like it goes into neutral for a second or so, this will bring the rpms up around 1k and then it shifts into second... this only happens on the first shift. If I keep the trans in 1st using the paddles for a few min while driving then it will shift fine into second. like I said this only happens on the first shift into second from sitting cold. IF the GL sits for a few hours then I dont get that problem.
Do you think it needs an adaptation or something? Just had a Trans filter and fluid change.. this was happening before that too. It does shift better now though after the change.
What do you guys think? Software related maybe?
Just wanted to throw this out and see if I should be concerned?
When I leave the GL overnight, the first drive out of the driveway when it shifts from first to second it flares... Basically what it feels like is when it comes to shift, it feels like it goes into neutral for a second or so, this will bring the rpms up around 1k and then it shifts into second... this only happens on the first shift. If I keep the trans in 1st using the paddles for a few min while driving then it will shift fine into second. like I said this only happens on the first shift into second from sitting cold. IF the GL sits for a few hours then I dont get that problem.
Do you think it needs an adaptation or something? Just had a Trans filter and fluid change.. this was happening before that too. It does shift better now though after the change.
What do you guys think? Software related maybe?
03-13-2014 | 09:44 AM
#2
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,006
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From: Charlotte NC area
2007 W211 E350 4Matic / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Transmission flare is never good.
on any other car, I would say a sticky valve, but our MB's are so electronic it is hard to say. (In other words, has not happened to me yet)
Get it fixed before it causes other problems due to the increased wear on the clutches.
on any other car, I would say a sticky valve, but our MB's are so electronic it is hard to say. (In other words, has not happened to me yet)
Get it fixed before it causes other problems due to the increased wear on the clutches.
03-13-2014 | 03:51 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
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some slippage when cold is normal. do not push the truck when cold the first couple minutes. feather the gas pedal . engine and tranny are cold blooded and everything happens in slow-mo as far as lubrication is concerned.
03-13-2014 | 04:06 PM
#4
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Charlotte NC area
2007 W211 E350 4Matic / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Slippage when cold is not "normal". If anything hard shifts when cold are more likely.
Flare says the clutches are engaging WAY too slow and every time you do, they are wearing the clutch material at several times the normal rate.
Flare says the clutches are engaging WAY too slow and every time you do, they are wearing the clutch material at several times the normal rate.
03-13-2014 | 04:19 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
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while i generally agree with you - most of the 7g trucks do it when cold.
just take it veeeery easy the first couple shifts and all is good.
one thing comes to mind- what mileage the truck has and has the tranny fluid flushed at 35-40k miles?
just take it veeeery easy the first couple shifts and all is good.
one thing comes to mind- what mileage the truck has and has the tranny fluid flushed at 35-40k miles?
03-13-2014 | 04:51 PM
#6
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,006
Likes: 402
From: Charlotte NC area
2007 W211 E350 4Matic / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
My GL shifts very solidly, ZERO flare.
Are you sure you are not confusing delayed shift point when cold with flare?
If RPMs go up and forward momentum does not you have a problem.
Are you sure you are not confusing delayed shift point when cold with flare?
If RPMs go up and forward momentum does not you have a problem.
03-13-2014 | 05:30 PM
#7
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GL320 CDI
I just had the fluid and filter changed at 85k. The PO did not do it at 40 so it was over due by double. It shifts a lot better now after the fluid.
Also another thing I noticed is let's say I was accelerating at around 2krpm and in 5th at around 1\3rd to half throttle. If I let up on the throttle the rpm would rise around 50rpm or so. I know this transmission has a variable lockup and it never truly does a full lockup so thats what I figured it was. That it was allowing the torque converter more slip.
Also another thing I noticed is let's say I was accelerating at around 2krpm and in 5th at around 1\3rd to half throttle. If I let up on the throttle the rpm would rise around 50rpm or so. I know this transmission has a variable lockup and it never truly does a full lockup so thats what I figured it was. That it was allowing the torque converter more slip.
