GLC43 jerking when coming to a stop
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 26
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2017 GLC43, 2009 Cadillac CTS-V
GLC43 jerking when coming to a stop
[I guess this deserves a separate thread from "jerking while accelerating" thread]
From replies on other threads and forums, the problem seems to be epidemic with no known solution.
Sometimes, particularly when the car is cold, stops are very jerky, as if the transmission did not get the message to slow down. Workaround is to push harder on the brake to fight whatever is going on.
Although I have trouble making the jerkiness happen on demand (like when at the dealership), it does happen quite frequently. My dealer upgraded the transmission software but to no avail -- and seemed so dumbfounded by the whole thing, I never mentioned it again.
It's easy enough to forget the problem exists after adapting your driving to it, but I'm posting with the hope it gets addressed at some point -- or someone has had success fixing it.
[though I suspect I may just give up on this when the Tesla Model Y Performance becomes available]
From replies on other threads and forums, the problem seems to be epidemic with no known solution.
Sometimes, particularly when the car is cold, stops are very jerky, as if the transmission did not get the message to slow down. Workaround is to push harder on the brake to fight whatever is going on.
Although I have trouble making the jerkiness happen on demand (like when at the dealership), it does happen quite frequently. My dealer upgraded the transmission software but to no avail -- and seemed so dumbfounded by the whole thing, I never mentioned it again.
It's easy enough to forget the problem exists after adapting your driving to it, but I'm posting with the hope it gets addressed at some point -- or someone has had success fixing it.
[though I suspect I may just give up on this when the Tesla Model Y Performance becomes available]
Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 105
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2018 AMG GLC 43
Mine is a 2018, bought it last Aug. Never been to the dealer for service. All my stops are smooth in all modes. In S and S+ it downshifts like its supposed to and feels great.
Sorry, I know that isn't much help, but I just wanted to let you know that not all have that problem.
Sorry, I know that isn't much help, but I just wanted to let you know that not all have that problem.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 233
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From: Pennsylvania
2019 GLC 63, 2020 C43 coupe
Does it do the same thing when in Comfort mode? Same as the other thread, but opposite correct? I wouldn't jump on any issue until the gearbox is warmed up though. Especially when still in blue temps, these things are super, super sensitive in both sport & sport + mode. And my gawd, does it take forever to warm up. In sport + mode, even warmed up, the car will also decelerate very aggressively, yanking your head forward, and giving the seat belt a nice tug against your chest as it downshifts. I can't drive any other way, but having owned dozens of cars, I can definitely see how this thing, or any AMG car for that matter, would drive a person insane with it's noises and jerks. It does certain things that even a 200k sports car doesn't do.
Not saying you do not have a problem, just wanted to make sure you did understand all that before people started jumping on you about learning how to drive an AMG, and you getting really offended. I'm not here to tell people how or what to drive. I like solving problems, and I love cars.
My first question would be is if it does it in comfort mode, when the trans is warmed up, and out of the blue zone?
Not saying you do not have a problem, just wanted to make sure you did understand all that before people started jumping on you about learning how to drive an AMG, and you getting really offended. I'm not here to tell people how or what to drive. I like solving problems, and I love cars.
My first question would be is if it does it in comfort mode, when the trans is warmed up, and out of the blue zone?
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Joined: Oct 2019
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AMG GLC 43
Jerky Transmission AMG GLC 43
The car is a 2018 AMG GLC 43. I have owned the car for almost a year now and have taken it in to two Benz dealers to address hard downshifts as the car slows to a stop. We call it the "herky jerky" car. Both dealers said the car is performing normally. The downshifts (in comfort mode) are so hard that my passengers complain about their heads being jerked back and forth. I had a GLC 300 loaner that did not have this problem, so it must be an AMG issue. It is hard to imagine that Benz engineers designed this car to perform in such an uncomfortable manner. The transmission is designed to learn I am told, but after almost a year, it has clearly NOT learned to shift smoothly. There are many things I like about this car, but I will probably replace it with the BMW X3 M version because of how the transmission shifts. Just too uncomfortable to use on a daily basis. If you almost come to a stop but then accelerate, what the transmission does is seriously painful.
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
The car is a 2018 AMG GLC 43. I have owned the car for almost a year now and have taken it in to two Benz dealers to address hard downshifts as the car slows to a stop. We call it the "herky jerky" car. Both dealers said the car is performing normally. The downshifts (in comfort mode) are so hard that my passengers complain about their heads being jerked back and forth. I had a GLC 300 loaner that did not have this problem, so it must be an AMG issue. It is hard to imagine that Benz engineers designed this car to perform in such an uncomfortable manner. The transmission is designed to learn I am told, but after almost a year, it has clearly NOT learned to shift smoothly. There are many things I like about this car, but I will probably replace it with the BMW X3 M version because of how the transmission shifts. Just too uncomfortable to use on a daily basis. If you almost come to a stop but then accelerate, what the transmission does is seriously painful.
This is my second 63s and neither seem to downshift out of the ordinary. I mean, if you are in S+ and it is downshifting to keep the RPMs high, then it is going to be aggressive. Even with that, if I slowly come to a stop then it behaves completely normal. If my M40 is any indication of how the X3M will handle the same situation then you are looking at even a harsher downshifting car.
I would say you have an issue, go test drive a 63 or 63s and see if it does the same thing and then consider buying that over the X3M. I have driven the X3M and was way underwhelmed with it. Hey, at least it looks like every other X3 on the street....
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 11
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2017 GLC 43 AMG
I just purchased a 2017 GLC 43 as a CPO and have noticed how unsmooth the downshifts are. It's apparent in comfort mode, but most smooth in eco mode. I notice it most when the car is downshifting while coming to a stop from 3rd to 2nd gear. To me, it's an apparent jerk when it downshifts.
I brought this up to the service department at my local dealer and they are now currently replacing the valve body in the transmission. I believe they'll also reset the transmission learning since this had a prior owner.
I'm waiting for them to complete the replacement and will see if this addresses the issue.
I brought this up to the service department at my local dealer and they are now currently replacing the valve body in the transmission. I believe they'll also reset the transmission learning since this had a prior owner.
I'm waiting for them to complete the replacement and will see if this addresses the issue.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 324
Likes: 61
From: Massachusetts
Blk/Blk GLC43 AMG WAGON
It seems a lot of the 2017's have this issue. Not sure if it has been sorted in later models with a software upgrade. Make sure the car is fully warmed up as someone else mentioned above these cars can be sensitive if not at temp.
Last edited by affalterthought; Oct 23, 2019 at 06:53 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
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2017 GLC 43 AMG
In my experience, this happens to me regardless of engine/transmission temperature. At start and cold and warmed up, it's the same. Hopefully if there is a software update that the later years have it'll be passed to my 2017.
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 76
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.
As I've mentioned several times in this forum. This is my first and last Mercedes.
I have a 2019 GLC43 and it's by far the worst car I've ever driven. Not worth even 35k.
Poor transmission, unbelievably uncomfortable seats. If you haven't noticed by now, you will soon: sometimes you'll get massive turbo lag. If you floor the car out of the blue, I've run into numerous times where the car literally doesn't change speed until several seconds later (with my foot on the floor).
I'm going to be switching to a Macan S soon.
I have a 2019 GLC43 and it's by far the worst car I've ever driven. Not worth even 35k.
Poor transmission, unbelievably uncomfortable seats. If you haven't noticed by now, you will soon: sometimes you'll get massive turbo lag. If you floor the car out of the blue, I've run into numerous times where the car literally doesn't change speed until several seconds later (with my foot on the floor).
I'm going to be switching to a Macan S soon.
Last edited by MBenz111; Oct 23, 2019 at 10:16 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
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From: Wiltshire
Mercedes GLC43 AMG
As I've mentioned several times in this forum. This is my first and last Mercedes.
I have a 2019 GLC43 and it's by far the worst car I've ever driven. Not worth even 35k.
Poor transmission, unbelievably uncomfortable seats. If you haven't noticed by now, you will soon: sometimes you'll get massive turbo lag. If you floor the car out of the blue, I've run into numerous times where the car literally doesn't change speed until several seconds later (with my foot on the floor).
I'm going to be switching to a Macan S soon.
I have a 2019 GLC43 and it's by far the worst car I've ever driven. Not worth even 35k.
Poor transmission, unbelievably uncomfortable seats. If you haven't noticed by now, you will soon: sometimes you'll get massive turbo lag. If you floor the car out of the blue, I've run into numerous times where the car literally doesn't change speed until several seconds later (with my foot on the floor).
I'm going to be switching to a Macan S soon.
Despite it being a highly optioned 43 Premium Plus (UK version) with seats that would adjust every which way, I just couldn't get comfortable in it.
On any long trips the underside of my right thigh would go numb despite making many changes to the seat on route. It was so bad that I sold the car in the end.....
Super Member
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
Funny, I went from an AMG to a BMW and sold the BMW after 6 months because the seats were killing me and I wanted to get back into the comfortable AMG seats.
Maybe the 43 doesn't have the same seats as the 63? It is a different vehicle.
The seats in my GLE 63s were the best seats I have ever had. The ones in my GLC 63s are good but not as good as the GLE.
GLE:
Attachment 440053
GLC:
Attachment 440054
Maybe the 43 doesn't have the same seats as the 63? It is a different vehicle.
The seats in my GLE 63s were the best seats I have ever had. The ones in my GLC 63s are good but not as good as the GLE.
GLE:
Attachment 440053
GLC:
Attachment 440054
Last edited by ParadigmDawg; Oct 25, 2019 at 10:33 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
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From: Wiltshire
Mercedes GLC43 AMG
I'm not quite sure how whether it was a real AMG or not makes an ounce of difference to the comfort but my seats looked very similar to the ones in your picture, apart from them being half faux leather and alcantara.
They just didn't suit me, they were far too hard!
They just didn't suit me, they were far too hard!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 881
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
It very well could be optioned with completely different seats since it's a different line. Do the 43's use Nappa leather or MB-Tex? If they don't use Nappa, then the decisions could also be dcusions as well as the actual fit.
Last edited by ParadigmDawg; Oct 24, 2019 at 11:34 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
Funny, I went from an AMG to a BMW and sold the BMW after 6 months because the seats were killing me and I wanted to get back into the comfortable AMG seats.
Maybe the 43 doesn't have the same seats as the 63? I mean the 43 isn't a real AMG...YEP...I said it....
The seats in my GLE 63s were the best seats I have ever had. The ones in my GLC 63s are good but not as good as the GLE.
GLE:
GLC:
Maybe the 43 doesn't have the same seats as the 63? I mean the 43 isn't a real AMG...YEP...I said it....
The seats in my GLE 63s were the best seats I have ever had. The ones in my GLC 63s are good but not as good as the GLE.
GLE:
GLC:
I didn't fit in the GLC and it could not tow my boat, but i agree the GLE AMG seats are surprisingly comfortable... I wasn't expecting that.....
Newbie
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2017 GLC 43 AMG
My 43 has the same leather seats as your 63, just doesn't have the AMG logo on the backrest and headrest. Looks to be the same otherwise. MB-Tex is an option for the 43 though, if not upgraded to leather.
Super Member
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
I don't tow anything other than my bicycles but it amazed me that a car as fast as the GLE 63S had the towing capacity it had. If I towed anything or needed the room, it would still be my go-to. That bigger motor had some serious power and I thought the motor looked cooler than the 4.0.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 324
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From: Massachusetts
Blk/Blk GLC43 AMG WAGON
I don't understand why certain individuals feel the need to thread-jack and start throwing around back-handed insults to fellow MB owners to make themselves appear superior. There I said it. Get over yourself . It's like a broken record. Congrats you bought a 63 ! Want a cookie? Move on already !
Last edited by affalterthought; Oct 25, 2019 at 09:51 AM.
Super Member
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Posts: 881
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
I don't understand why certain individuals feel the need to thread-jack and start throwing around back-handed insults to fellow MB owners to make themselves appear superior. There I said it. Get over yourself . It's like a broken record. Congrats you bought a 63 ! Want a cookie? Move on already !
Last edited by ParadigmDawg; Oct 25, 2019 at 10:35 AM.
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2017 GLC 43 AMG
Getting back to the thread topic...
I got back my 43 from the service department after they diagnosed and 'fixed' the issue. Here's the breakdown:
The tech drove it and confirmed harsh downshifts from 3-2 and 2-1 gear. Checked transmission oil and it was fine, checked for software updated, performed engine and transmission control unit software updates, and reset the transmission learning. They test drove again and still found it to have harsh downshifts.
They then replaced the transmission valve body, replaced modified transmission oil pan with integrated filters, adjusted transmission oil level, performed torque converter adaptations, and reset transmission learning again. The tech then test drove and says it's shifting smoothly. Not sure what the fix was here that resolved it for the tech - maybe the valve body or torque converter adaptations?
I drove the 43 for about 20-30 miles afterwards, and can't fully say yet that this resolved the issue. There's probably some bias in me saying that it's not AS bad anymore since it was stated as resolved - if it was rated 10/10 bad before, I'd say maybe now it's 5/10. But maybe after I drive it a while again I'll have a different opinion.
I think in the end, it's just the nature of the 9-speed torque-clutch transmission in the GLC43 - it's made to be more sporty and responsive and because of that the comfort of it suffers. I still love the engine but it'll be the price to pay for now.
I got back my 43 from the service department after they diagnosed and 'fixed' the issue. Here's the breakdown:
The tech drove it and confirmed harsh downshifts from 3-2 and 2-1 gear. Checked transmission oil and it was fine, checked for software updated, performed engine and transmission control unit software updates, and reset the transmission learning. They test drove again and still found it to have harsh downshifts.
They then replaced the transmission valve body, replaced modified transmission oil pan with integrated filters, adjusted transmission oil level, performed torque converter adaptations, and reset transmission learning again. The tech then test drove and says it's shifting smoothly. Not sure what the fix was here that resolved it for the tech - maybe the valve body or torque converter adaptations?
I drove the 43 for about 20-30 miles afterwards, and can't fully say yet that this resolved the issue. There's probably some bias in me saying that it's not AS bad anymore since it was stated as resolved - if it was rated 10/10 bad before, I'd say maybe now it's 5/10. But maybe after I drive it a while again I'll have a different opinion.
I think in the end, it's just the nature of the 9-speed torque-clutch transmission in the GLC43 - it's made to be more sporty and responsive and because of that the comfort of it suffers. I still love the engine but it'll be the price to pay for now.
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
I'm not convinced that this issue is entirely due to the transmission. My 2017 GLC was doing this herky-jerky deceleration from 3rd to 2nd in comfort mode. One observation I made was that the charging indicator would peak and then drop off suddenly which seemed to affect the rate of deceleration while braking to a full stop. The situation seems somewhat improved since the last software update. I still have to modulate the braking more than I need to for my C450 with the 7g tranny but it's easier now to prevent the jerkiness when slowing to a full stop.
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glc43 amg(sold) 2015 Mustang GT 2019 Volveo Inscription t6
I had this same problem from day one on my 2017 GLC43. Two dealer tear downs and converstions with Germany(or so they said) resolved nothing. An inherent flaw in that transmission. Always felt to me like a torque converter was locked up and was torque braking, then letting go. Felt that was sometime at very low speed like in a parking lot. Drove me and the wife nuts enough(along with a ton of other issues) we dumped the thing after 2 years. First car I never missed for a second. If I was consumer reports I would give it a "DO NOT BUY".
