Jerking Tranny
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Washington, DC
03 E55
Jerking Tranny
I recently bought a '03 E55 with 40k miles. When I first start driving the car (cold), the 1st to 2nd shift is very jerky and I hear a droning sound coming from the rear. After the car warms up, this is nearly gone and the car shifts smoothly.
I just had the transmission service done, hoping it would help, but its still the same.
Any ideas on what to check for or has anyone experienced anything similar?
Thank you.
I just had the transmission service done, hoping it would help, but its still the same.
Any ideas on what to check for or has anyone experienced anything similar?
Thank you.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 41
From: Dallas
08 E63 AMG P30, 2013 S550, 09 E63, 14 E63 S Wagon, 14 E350 Wagon(current), 13 C63 P31 (current)
Mine had a slight hesitation like your describing. Took it to dealer and they did a tcu and ecu update and reset. So far so good problem seems to be gone. Honestly I didn't think an update would do anything and they just wanted my money.... $250 so far money well spent.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 7
From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
Just so you know that the engine does need to be warm before you start driving.
I live in an area that sees weather way below 0 and even though I garage my car , if the
car isn't properly warmed up, I sometimes get the same hesitation/jerk
I live in an area that sees weather way below 0 and even though I garage my car , if the
car isn't properly warmed up, I sometimes get the same hesitation/jerk
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 336
Likes: 100
From: Chicago
M3, E55, cls63
I have the same jerk from 1st to 2nd and the droning sound. Mine does it regardless if it's warm or cold. The droning sound usually occurs when at a low speed and high gear, but if I downshift or accelerate the sound goes away.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,128
Likes: 37
From: toronto
Gallado Spyder / AMG C63S / Cayenne
whats this droning sound? I never drive the car cold.
It does jerk after turning sometimes from 1-2 but I think its due to my tune.
I think you should start by not driving it cold see if its all good first.
It does jerk after turning sometimes from 1-2 but I think its due to my tune.
I think you should start by not driving it cold see if its all good first.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Washington, DC
03 E55
Thanks everyone. Good to know it's normal and experienced by others. Yes, definitely gets better after warming up. I'm learning that this, like a few others things, are just part of the E55's personality and (haha) character.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 20
From: Houston/Plano, TX
2005 E55, 2009 VW GLI
I recently bought a '03 E55 with 40k miles. When I first start driving the car (cold), the 1st to 2nd shift is very jerky and I hear a droning sound coming from the rear. After the car warms up, this is nearly gone and the car shifts smoothly.
I just had the transmission service done, hoping it would help, but its still the same.
Any ideas on what to check for or has anyone experienced anything similar?
Thank you.
I just had the transmission service done, hoping it would help, but its still the same.
Any ideas on what to check for or has anyone experienced anything similar?
Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
Please let me know the outcome of this. When the transmission is cold and in C mode, I feel the converter locking up in 2nd gear around 15mph. I believe it is due to the fluid. It feels like a shift into 3rd. The rpms drop a couple hundred.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 7
From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
I have felt the exact same thing. I thought it was the LSD locking with abrupt
speed increase but it's the transmission. I, called to make an appointment with dealership for
fluid change and they told me it only needs it once at 60K (kilometres) and
that's it.
Also, TBH I have never felt the jerk when the car is warm. The foreman has also told me that make sure you warm
your car before you drive. So now I warm it for at least 3-5 mins before driving.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2005 E55, 2002 GT2
In speaking to an MB tech friend of mine, he mentioned this to me as one of the likely scenarios for the 1-2 jerk. Please keep us posted. Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 20
From: Houston/Plano, TX
2005 E55, 2009 VW GLI
Hey guys,
I was able to begin breaking down the car yesterday. What I found could be promising, but I cannot say it will fix my issue just yet.
From a maintenance perspective, my car has 96k miles and has had its transmission fluid flushed three times (40k, 80k, and recently when I replaced the TC). The pics below should give everyone a good idea of what their conductor plates and valve bodies look like if proper maintenance has been performed.
The following pics were taken before I cleaned the conductor plate. You'll notice the gunk that has built up on the plate and valve body.
The pics below are of all the solenoids. There is a pic the old and new TCC solenoid side by side. The old TCCS is covered in the same wear and tear build up as the valve body and conductor plate. I swiped my finger on it to give you an idea of how much was on it. This was the only solenoid that had build up on it. The other five were virtually clean.
The pics below are of a cleaned conductor plate. I noticed burned connector points after cleaning the conductor plate; they were consistent in all of the solenoid slots.
I am going to install a new conductor plate since I am not comfortable with installing a conductor plate with burned connector points. I also went ahead and ordered the two solenoid covers since MB decided to save a few cents by not installing them on my car. I'll update this thread when I get everything buttoned up.
I was able to begin breaking down the car yesterday. What I found could be promising, but I cannot say it will fix my issue just yet.
From a maintenance perspective, my car has 96k miles and has had its transmission fluid flushed three times (40k, 80k, and recently when I replaced the TC). The pics below should give everyone a good idea of what their conductor plates and valve bodies look like if proper maintenance has been performed.
The following pics were taken before I cleaned the conductor plate. You'll notice the gunk that has built up on the plate and valve body.
The pics below are of all the solenoids. There is a pic the old and new TCC solenoid side by side. The old TCCS is covered in the same wear and tear build up as the valve body and conductor plate. I swiped my finger on it to give you an idea of how much was on it. This was the only solenoid that had build up on it. The other five were virtually clean.
The pics below are of a cleaned conductor plate. I noticed burned connector points after cleaning the conductor plate; they were consistent in all of the solenoid slots.
I am going to install a new conductor plate since I am not comfortable with installing a conductor plate with burned connector points. I also went ahead and ordered the two solenoid covers since MB decided to save a few cents by not installing them on my car. I'll update this thread when I get everything buttoned up.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 41
From: Dallas
08 E63 AMG P30, 2013 S550, 09 E63, 14 E63 S Wagon, 14 E350 Wagon(current), 13 C63 P31 (current)
good luck man.
update...mine is starting to get back to the jerkyness like before...i have noticed its only happening when temps get to 30F or below and car sits in garage overnight.....
So i guess squeaky brakes and jerky tanny are part of the "character" on AMG's....what a shame...oh well...things we must learn to live with.
update...mine is starting to get back to the jerkyness like before...i have noticed its only happening when temps get to 30F or below and car sits in garage overnight.....
So i guess squeaky brakes and jerky tanny are part of the "character" on AMG's....what a shame...oh well...things we must learn to live with.
Super Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 522
Likes: 15
2002 C32AMG
this also plagues most of the c32's out there including mine but wonder if it's an adatptive learning problem too. I notice the easier I am on the throttle the more violent the jerk/buck. If roll into it pretty hard from a dig the next couple times I take off from a stop it shifts buttery smooth like it's brand freakin new.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
Why not put the cars tranny in "C" mode so it starts in second gear?
Then come back here and tell us about the 2-3 shift when cold.
FWIW my car shifts 1-2 the same hot or cold, but that SC engagement @ 1800 feels like a very harsh 1-2 shift.
Then come back here and tell us about the 2-3 shift when cold.
FWIW my car shifts 1-2 the same hot or cold, but that SC engagement @ 1800 feels like a very harsh 1-2 shift.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 41
From: Dallas
08 E63 AMG P30, 2013 S550, 09 E63, 14 E63 S Wagon, 14 E350 Wagon(current), 13 C63 P31 (current)
UPDATE- My car has been with the dealer for a few days. It just was not sitting right with me that my tranny is so jerky from 2nd to 1st. the updates they did worked for a few weeks but then again back to the jerk...1st time to the dealer they were unable to "replicate" the jerk and reset software and changed me $250. This time I told them keep the car overnight, and I will come by 7am when they open and sit with the SA and his Manager and "replicate" the prob for them. I went it and, was able to successfully replicate the issue. They agreed that it was not normal. Today I got a call from them saying that it is the Transmission Valve Body, and that it needs to be replaced..$1800 or so he said. Lets see if this fixes the issue. Will keep you guys posted.
O-55, Whats ur update bro? All Good?
O-55, Whats ur update bro? All Good?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 17
From: Southern California
E55 w/ goods, Z32 Project underway
I get an embarrassing buckling when going into 2nd, but it is because of my Eurocharged tune. I know a few others have experienced this. It's just impossible to reach them at times so I live with it. Hopefully they take care of yours. Hunting down problems is seldom free at the dealer.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 701
Likes: 6
From: San Diego
05 E55, 07 ML500
I get an embarrassing buckling when going into 2nd, but it is because of my Eurocharged tune. I know a few others have experienced this. It's just impossible to reach them at times so I live with it. Hopefully they take care of yours. Hunting down problems is seldom free at the dealer.
