Transmission stuck in first gear
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Philly
ML430 ML320 300DT
Transmission stuck in first gear
In the past couple of months, I noticed that my transmission in my 2000 ML430 would stop shifting while driving on the highway by the high RPM. I would usually pull over, restart the engine and it would go back to normal. Lately it started getting more frequent and today, the check-engine-light came on and it would not shift from first gear no matter what. The only two gears that are functional now are reverse and first gear.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Philly
ML430 ML320 300DT
Took it to the dealer and after 2 days of diagnostics, was told that I need a new transmission which will cost $5100.00!!!!!!
I do not have a warranty for this truck and really cannot afford the cost of repairs. Can anyone help with information on any possible less expensive repair?
I do not have a warranty for this truck and really cannot afford the cost of repairs. Can anyone help with information on any possible less expensive repair?
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Switzerland
ML 270 CDI 2002
Can't really help, but all I know is that MBs (in the UK anyway) will not repair transmissions, they simply replace. My dad who is a independent Merc specialist gets the tranmissions repaired by a transmission specialist. Perhaps it might be worth you checking around for transmission specialists who would undertake to repair yours. Is it possible to find reconditioned boxes in the US?
Sorry can't help.
Sorry can't help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Stay away from the trans shop chains and small local shops. They do not have the equipment to properly test their work, particularly the electronics. this is not a common failure as I have not heard or read of many failures like this. It could be just the trans electronic module and not the trans itself. I would get a second opinion from another dealer. If in fact the original diagnosis is correct you will just have to belly up to the bar and have it replaced. You really should not be driving a vehicle that is expensive to repair if you cannot afford to do so.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Cupertino California
BMW 320i
Transmission
Hi,
I feel your pain. Had a similar problem on a POS Volvo XC70 I use to own.
Anyway, if your mileage is low, that is just over the 50Kmile mark than I would go and have a chat with a factory rep. Argue the point that Mercedes-Benz cars/SUVs are suppose to be more reliable and offer to split the cost. That is you pay for the Labor and Mercedes pays for the Transmission.
However, if you have over 100K miles than I would go and find a good Independent Mercedes repair shop and have him change out the transmission. You will find the cost to be a lot less than the Dealer. And there is no rocket science involved in changing out the transmission. It should not take more then 8hours of labor.
Good Luck,
Steven---
I feel your pain. Had a similar problem on a POS Volvo XC70 I use to own.
Anyway, if your mileage is low, that is just over the 50Kmile mark than I would go and have a chat with a factory rep. Argue the point that Mercedes-Benz cars/SUVs are suppose to be more reliable and offer to split the cost. That is you pay for the Labor and Mercedes pays for the Transmission.
However, if you have over 100K miles than I would go and find a good Independent Mercedes repair shop and have him change out the transmission. You will find the cost to be a lot less than the Dealer. And there is no rocket science involved in changing out the transmission. It should not take more then 8hours of labor.
Good Luck,
Steven---
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 57
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From: Edmonton
ahopeter, suggested a limphome mode.
There's a lot of electronics interdependent on each other. I really don't want to believe it's the Tranny.....'cause I'd like to think they indestructible.....but that's just me.
This may or may not have anything to do with it.....but wait for some more advice:
Unplug the Mass Airflow Sensor........Start it up.....Should still run.
Take it out and see if there's any changes.
I think unplugging the Mass Airflow sensor makes the computer think differently. Yeah I know..... a little off the wall!
I ran mine for a few months with it unplugged. You can check some of my other post.
There's a lot of electronics interdependent on each other. I really don't want to believe it's the Tranny.....'cause I'd like to think they indestructible.....but that's just me.
This may or may not have anything to do with it.....but wait for some more advice:
Unplug the Mass Airflow Sensor........Start it up.....Should still run.
Take it out and see if there's any changes.
I think unplugging the Mass Airflow sensor makes the computer think differently. Yeah I know..... a little off the wall!
I ran mine for a few months with it unplugged. You can check some of my other post.
