It started with an unusual 2-3 shift, like it was hanging on to 2nd gear and finally a slightly abrupt change to 3rd gear. Then slipping under full throttle from 60 & 70.
I did a drain and fill with new filter, replaced the connector and swapped out the MK Ultra TCU back to stock. It was fine for a few weeks till last night. Started slipping out of gear during normal city driving and finally went into limp mode with a CEL. I checked fluid level today, seems right, not red but not black either with a slight odor. Everything is dry underneath. Read and cleared code 0730 with torque app. Drove a mile or so and back to limp mode and CEL.
Some say transmission is shot, others say conductor plate, and some think valve body.
Anyone have a similar experience and fix?

 

If the transmission stays in limp mode until you clear the code that means there is an electrical fault with the transmission. If you put it on Star you can read all of the values of the solenoids and the pressures and the activation times for the clutch packs and the brake packs. It will most likely end up being a bad solenoid or a bad speed sensor on the conductor plate but do not discount worn friction plates on a clutch pack. A new clutch pack will have 0 to 1 each 20 millisecond pulses to engage the clutch pack. A worn clutch pack will have 15 or more 20 millisecond pulses to activate a clutch pack. That indicates the friction discs are worn out and the clutch pack needs to be rebuilt. Do not throw parts and money at the car until you can put it on a star diagnostic system and read all the values out of the transmission.

 

Thank you. I was hoping to get your input. The challenge is getting it to the indy shop I use which is 50 miles away. I'll see if I can find a closer shop or someone who may be mobile. Appreciate the info.

 

Showing here where you are located could help.

 

most likely a badly worn clutch pack

any serious shift flare or slip triggers limp home that’s what its supposed to do

 

30 minutes N. of Denver, CO and familiar with the options but I'm sure I don't know them all.

 

Obviously I'm hoping otherwise and am perplexed by why this would happen. My S500 got to 260k before exhibiting any transmission issues and that is the shift mechanism I believe. Only did drain and fill once, maybe 2x. Yes, this car is modified but with 95k it's been serviced 2 or 3 times and supposedly these transmissions are designed to handle way more power than my car's making. It was low on fluid and wet all around the pan last time. Ofcourse that leads me to think the shop didn't do a good job of tightening things properly. It is completely dry since I did the last drain and fill myself, not to pat myself on the back but I actually use the torque wrench when I can.

 

05-E55....
You have the same thought process as a lot of customers we have at the dealer have. " It only has XX miles and my other car had XXXX miles" ???
I have gotten transmission issues on vehicles with 25-50 miles or 100,000 miles, it's just something that happens with no rime or reason.
Hell my 98 Crown Vic has 255,000 miles and has been almost trouble free its whole life. Other cars in the household....not so much.
Sucks but it happens.

 

Does this give any indication?
Trying to find someone close to run a diagnostic.

 

Believe you likely already know the answer to that. Time for a rebuild.

 

No. Really I don't. That's why I'm asking here. And others think it may not need to be but it seems I won't know without a Star diagnostic.
If it does is it something any transmission shop, i.e. Aamco can do or do I need a specialist?

 

That much material and metal is showing a need for a rebuild or replacement.

 

Something any transmission shop can handle?

 

For a general rebuild, yes. This is an extremely common transmission, shared not just on MBs, but Chryslers and other makes.

 

Make sure they rebuild your transmission, and not just install another one "off the shelf".

 

Anyone have experience with Sun Valley Transmission? They offer rebuilt ones for $2500 which is less than any quote local. Also Autohubshop on eBay advertising remanufactured for about the same price.

 

I just ordered one from sun valley so I'll find out.

 

Please let me know how it goes. Also what is the cost for install?