GLC63s, GLC63, GLC43 AMG SUV and Coupe (X253, C253) 2015 - Present

2021 AMG GLC 43 - Transmission Not Engaging?

Old Oct 10, 2021 | 10:31 AM
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AMG GLC 43
2021 AMG GLC 43 - Transmission Not Engaging?

Hello all,

I have about 3,500 mi on my new GLC 43 (daily driver). I have been babying the car until this point and opening it up only on a few occasions after the break-in period. Overall, I am very happy with the car. Before I purchased, I was well aware of some of the "jerkiness" issues of the transmission, especially in Sport+ mode and it hasn't really affected me. I usually drive the car in Comfort mode only with the sport exhaust on.
The last month or so, I have had two instances where the transmission fails to go into first gear from a stop while "in Drive." I would be standing at a light, apply the accelerator, but the car would just rev as if in neutral even though it is in drive. Both of the times this happened, it has been a little unnerving. Putting the car briefly in reverse/neutral on the stalk and then back into drive immediately fixed the issue. This also happened both times when the car was fully warmed up and has been driving. I live in Chicago where it has been humid, but not cold thus far so can't really blame it on the weather. I am definitely keeping a closer eye on this but wanted to see if anyone else has encountered or heard of this behavior. I have not reached out to the dealer yet and since overall the car is driving 99.9% of the time, they might just say GTFO since there is no apparent problem. Obviously if this gets any worse or more frequent, I won't hesitate. Just wanted to get some potential insight on this issue. Thanks.
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Old Oct 10, 2021 | 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by kgariba
Hello all,

I have about 3,500 mi on my new GLC 43 (daily driver). I have been babying the car until this point and opening it up only on a few occasions after the break-in period. Overall, I am very happy with the car. Before I purchased, I was well aware of some of the "jerkiness" issues of the transmission, especially in Sport+ mode and it hasn't really affected me. I usually drive the car in Comfort mode only with the sport exhaust on.
The last month or so, I have had two instances where the transmission fails to go into first gear from a stop while "in Drive." I would be standing at a light, apply the accelerator, but the car would just rev as if in neutral even though it is in drive. Both of the times this happened, it has been a little unnerving. Putting the car briefly in reverse/neutral on the stalk and then back into drive immediately fixed the issue. This also happened both times when the car was fully warmed up and has been driving. I live in Chicago where it has been humid, but not cold thus far so can't really blame it on the weather. I am definitely keeping a closer eye on this but wanted to see if anyone else has encountered or heard of this behavior. I have not reached out to the dealer yet and since overall the car is driving 99.9% of the time, they might just say GTFO since there is no apparent problem. Obviously if this gets any worse or more frequent, I won't hesitate. Just wanted to get some potential insight on this issue. Thanks.
Sorry to hear about the issues you are experiencing.

Ya, I wouldn't ever go back to that dealership and will bring my business elsewhere if those four letters that I bolded in your original post actually comes out from their mouth. As after you spent this amount of money on this car, if they don't even bother doing a diagnostic and brush you off, then they don't deserve your business whatsoever.

Hopefully this doesn't become a safety problem but no they can't deny it and say it isn't a problem when it is clearly not a normal behaviour. My pfl 2017 C43 although jerky all the time never once did what you experienced and I wouldn't think they would purposely design it like that either on the facelift. Perhaps it is a bad update, ask them to check software updates for the TCU.

Last edited by W205C43PFL; Oct 10, 2021 at 08:07 PM.
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Old Yesterday | 05:58 PM
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Any update OP?
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Old Yesterday | 07:19 PM
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AMG GLC 43
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL;[url=tel:9292114
9292114[/url]]Any update OP?
Yes — I think I narrowed it down to happening ONLY in the “glide” mode with reduced engine power. I do not use that anymore and the car has been fine with no weird transmission issues. I also did a complete reset of the software systems. So far so good. Dealer had of course no explanation.
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Old Yesterday | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by kgariba
Yes — I think I narrowed it down to happening ONLY in the “glide” mode with reduced engine power. I do not use that anymore and the car has been fine with no weird transmission issues. I also did a complete reset of the software systems. So far so good. Dealer had of course no explanation.
Sounds good, glad to hear that you figured it out, enjoy the vehicle : )
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