Signs of a bad torque converter
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1999 MB C43 2004 E55 AMG, 2004 Suzuki GSXR, gl63
Signs of a bad torque converter
My cars shifting I think is getting progressively worse. Im just not sure whether or not its the tranny or a TQ converter. I guess I'll have to go check out a tranny specialty shop to know for sure. From first to second its as if it has a half gear, it slips in first like a TQ converter should and then almost violently hooks up and thereafter it works smooth. Anyone else exhibit similar symptoms? It also shudders at low RPM.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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E55, SL63, ML550
What year car? If a 03 or early 04 could have glycol contamination. This is usually accompanied by a shudder when lightly accelerating at like 30mph. It makes the tq converter lock up clutch slip.
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Denver
2007 E63 Amg, Heavily modified 1988 Jeep Comanche
Typicaly when the torque converter is going out the car shudders while its locking up, so after it slips into 4th if the car starts jerking more than likley will be a torque converter. But sometimes metal bits can get into the lock up solinoid and cause it to not engage the clutch properly. Typicaly if the s t ator goes out in the converter you loose stall speed. That can cause the engine to die when going from park to neutral or drive while cold. What i see that causes torque converter faliure with the 722.6 and 722.9 transmisions is a lack of maintenance. There is also a drain plug on the converter itself. If its not falling out of gear it prolly needs a tourque converter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
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E55, SL63, ML550
Best to be diagnosed. Using SDS (star) one can turn off the converter clutch and see if the symptom goes away. If so, a glycol test can be done. If failed, you need a radiator and trans flush at min. Early cars were prone to this radiator failure because the trans cooler is integrated into it and would mix the fluid.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 42
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From: Denver
2007 E63 Amg, Heavily modified 1988 Jeep Comanche
Thats a hard one cuz its gonna be expensive no matter where you take it. Dudes at the benz shop will atleast have a better idea of whats going on and are familiar with that trans.
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Joined: Sep 2016
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From: Albania
e220 cdi 2005
I have a problem when I cold start my w211 year 2005
if I engage the gears it immediately shuts down, when engage and disengage 2-3 times it works ok
I have done oil and filter change 2 times just to flush it and replace again
I have changed the radiator because were sign of water on the tranny
I have changed the solenoid valve because it had an error and also the battery because it said "valve loss of voltage" when cold started
now I am having the same problem but slighter better, it tents to shut down but in 1-2 seconds it gain power again
do you think its the TC ?
I inserted some videos just for better info
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post7134800
if I engage the gears it immediately shuts down, when engage and disengage 2-3 times it works ok
I have done oil and filter change 2 times just to flush it and replace again
I have changed the radiator because were sign of water on the tranny
I have changed the solenoid valve because it had an error and also the battery because it said "valve loss of voltage" when cold started
now I am having the same problem but slighter better, it tents to shut down but in 1-2 seconds it gain power again
do you think its the TC ?
I inserted some videos just for better info
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post7134800
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 186
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From: Albania
e220 cdi 2005
hopefully it is set now
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1
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S320 Limo
Hi,
I have been reading through this post with great interest. Some great knowledge shared. I have a 2004 s320 W220 and I think my TC may have a problem but not sure. My symptoms are:
1. Going down hill at low speed 15-20 mph revs stay up about 1.8k and doesn't change up a gear. If I hit the gear lever to change up then changes gear and revs drop
2. Getting some shuddering under acceleration and braking (not sure if braking is pad issue am going to check this week cheap pads!?)
3. GB oil was changed about year ago and done about 15k since. At the time I was not aware of the possible TC drain plug so this definitely wasn't done.
So was wondering from the above if this my TC failing or failed or any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
I have been reading through this post with great interest. Some great knowledge shared. I have a 2004 s320 W220 and I think my TC may have a problem but not sure. My symptoms are:
1. Going down hill at low speed 15-20 mph revs stay up about 1.8k and doesn't change up a gear. If I hit the gear lever to change up then changes gear and revs drop
2. Getting some shuddering under acceleration and braking (not sure if braking is pad issue am going to check this week cheap pads!?)
3. GB oil was changed about year ago and done about 15k since. At the time I was not aware of the possible TC drain plug so this definitely wasn't done.
So was wondering from the above if this my TC failing or failed or any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 860
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
CLS55
Id consider DIYing replacing TCC solenoid on the valve body and the conductor plate. Doubles as a service and conductor plate is often troubled part and TCC probably not engaging properly causing reduced line pressure and the shuddering your getting at low rpm and light throttle application. Easy to do yourself just need t30 torx head, standard socket set with Allen key heads and torque wrench every bolt involved is like the same torque setting too from memory. Lots of DIY for the conductor plate job around..
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1
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w203 2005 200cdi soort auto
I have the same thing!!
My cars shifting I think is getting progressively worse. Im just not sure whether or not its the tranny or a TQ converter. I guess I'll have to go check out a tranny specialty shop to know for sure. From first to second its as if it has a half gear, it slips in first like a TQ converter should and then almost violently hooks up and thereafter it works smooth. Anyone else exhibit similar symptoms? It also shudders at low RPM.
