SL/R129: Resetting Transmisdion
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
Resetting Transmisdion
I just found this reference in a post;
” Try resetting the ECU. It really works. We have adaptive transmissions so they adapt overtime to your driving style. Check out this link.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/reset-m...-instructions/
“
I just found this recently and the reset works on MB cars back to 1995.
By the comments it can fix a lot of problems.
I have not tried it myself ... but I will. The wife had been driving the car recently ...
” Try resetting the ECU. It really works. We have adaptive transmissions so they adapt overtime to your driving style. Check out this link.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/reset-m...-instructions/
“
I just found this recently and the reset works on MB cars back to 1995.
By the comments it can fix a lot of problems.
I have not tried it myself ... but I will. The wife had been driving the car recently ...
Last edited by ChrisB; Mar 14, 2019 at 12:48 AM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
I can't imagine how it can fix any problems.
The diagnostic software cautions to only reset adaptations following the completion of repair work. It states that shift quality can not be expected to improve, though there will be a change.
The diagnostic software cautions to only reset adaptations following the completion of repair work. It states that shift quality can not be expected to improve, though there will be a change.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
On the W212 E Class forum - several members say they do this procedure every month or so.
Seeing improvement in sluggish shifting.
I do not know how adaptive the transmissions are - but over the years ... occasionally I sense odd shifting / awkward down shifts on kick down.
Then on long road trips ... or a good stint of sporty driving - the car is very responsive & strong.
I was thinking the procedure might reset the shift points after my wife has been putting around through the winter months.
Spring cleaning ...
Last edited by ChrisB; Mar 21, 2019 at 11:32 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
The Web page you linked to gives two methods to perform a reset and equates them. I do not know what, if anything, the first method does. The second method is counter-productive, since it erases "adaptations" the transmission ECU has made which compensate for differences in components which result from varying manufacturing tolerances and wear.
I presume the cautionary note from Mercedes has more to do with not wasting customer money than preventing harm to the transmission.
I suggest you give the reset procedure a try. If you think it works, have your wife learn the procedure and participate in an experiment where you try to correctly guess if/when she has done the reset.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
Did the procedure today ... but could not test the way I normally would.
I am the type of guy that thinks the car runs better after I wash & polish it ...
Still smooth & strong as ever, on today’s first top down driving of the spring - after taking the panoramic roof off yesterday (and washing the car).
I am the type of guy that thinks the car runs better after I wash & polish it ...
Still smooth & strong as ever, on today’s first top down driving of the spring - after taking the panoramic roof off yesterday (and washing the car).
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 75
From: Abbotsford, BC, Canada
1999 SL 500 & 2011 E 550 4Matic
After I reset the transmission last weekend (as prescribed in the link) - my wife drove the car 2 days this week. Both trips about 50 miles round trip, at highway speeds.
Out of no where tonight she said - by the way, she found the car was much more powerful in acelleration from slow speeds and when passing.
I would say this unsolicited endorsement is proof that the procedure does reset shift points or the accumulated adaptive transmission sludge.
Some one else should try it.
Out of no where tonight she said - by the way, she found the car was much more powerful in acelleration from slow speeds and when passing.
I would say this unsolicited endorsement is proof that the procedure does reset shift points or the accumulated adaptive transmission sludge.
Some one else should try it.
