ATF failure (or something else) - E350

[CotswoldPete]

E350 W212 (V6 diesel with 7 speed auto) - 2010 model

Yesterday on way into work the Merc started to feel like gear changes going on (or engine feeling lumpy). Stopped and turned off engine sat for a minute then headed off and then after half mile the dash reporting no ABS, Traction control, Run flat etc. Car ran okay. 7 hours later on way home same thing happened and engine management light came on, so took it steady for 8 miles, then the gear box started to act up. Would not engage properly then not engage at all. Ended up 100 yards from home where gear box completely gave up. After 5 minutes managed to get the gear box to engage (with a huge clunk) and then limped home.

So with ignition on (not started) I get no ABS, no traction control and the engine management light on.

Only had the car 3 months, still not been able to get hold of service history so no idea whether this is due to some lack of maintenance.

Not sure whether calling out the AA is worth it as not sure how much diagnosis they can do at the roadside.

So any ideas on what it is likely to be.

I will be ringing up my local MB indy, but will need tow/trailer, but they are really busy so might be without the car for a while.

 

[colinallcars]

E350 W212 (V6 diesel with 7 speed auto) - 2010 model

Yesterday on way into work the Merc started to feel like gear changes going on (or engine feeling lumpy). Stopped and turned off engine sat for a minute then headed off and then after half mile the dash reporting no ABS, Traction control, Run flat etc. Car ran okay. 7 hours later on way home same thing happened and engine management light came on, so took it steady for 8 miles, then the gear box started to act up. Would not engage properly then not engage at all. Ended up 100 yards from home where gear box completely gave up. After 5 minutes managed to get the gear box to engage (with a huge clunk) and then limped home.

So with ignition on (not started) I get no ABS, no traction control and the engine management light on.

Only had the car 3 months, still not been able to get hold of service history so no idea whether this is due to some lack of maintenance.

Not sure whether calling out the AA is worth it as not sure how much diagnosis they can do at the roadside.

So any ideas on what it is likely to be.

I will be ringing up my local MB indy, but will need tow/trailer, but they are really busy so might be without the car for a while.

The AA and RAC have pretty good diagnostic tools. Whether they’d be able to fix the issue is another matter.

 

[markjay]

If the car was bought from a trader (and not in a private sale), then take the car back to where you bought it from - they will have to repair it FOC under the Consumer Protection Act 2015.

See also:

Your legal rights if something goes wrong with your car

When you buy a new or used car from an official dealer, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 if the vehicle develops a fault

www.whatcar.com

"If a problem is found after 30 days, but within six months of purchase, you can request a repair or a replacement vehicle. The onus is on the seller of the car to prove the fault wasn’t present when the car was sold..."

 

[CotswoldPete]

Bought car from mate of mine who is now in end of life care, but he always looked after his cars, but as he is so ill not in a fit state to go digging aorund for the paperwork. Car was serviced before he knew he was never going to drive again, and then stood for 6 months with quick trips now and again with his wife at the wheel. Says it never missed a beat.

Also had my local indy scan for codes and other than AC sensor playing up nothing else showed, and that was a only earlier this week. All a bit odd

 

[DSM10000]

Have you any idea when the ATF was changed?

Is there any evidence of it leaking and the level is low?

The other warning lights are not related to the transmission but can be triggered by a battery in a state of poor charge. The transmission can also exhibit odd behaviour with a failing battery.

 

[CotswoldPete]

Have you any idea when the ATF was changed?

Is there any evidence of it leaking and the level is low?

The other warning lights are not related to the transmission but can be triggered by a battery in a state of poor charge. The transmission can also exhibit odd behaviour with a failing battery.

Just been chatting to a mate in office he came up with the battery theory. I will check ATF levels. Could not see any leaks last night, but had to crack on with some jobs around the house so will try and a 'proper' look. Coming from having Lexus 400 for last 15 years, much simpler electronics and less sensitive to iffy batteries.

 

[mbzclk]

Just been chatting to a mate in office he came up with the battery theory. I will check ATF levels. Could not see any leaks last night, but had to crack on with some jobs around the house so will try and a 'proper' look. Coming from having Lexus 400 for last 15 years, much simpler electronics and less sensitive to iffy batteries.

If the car has been sitting and the battery is worn you will see very odd issues.

Get the battery on a CTEK and see if it’s better - if so you probably want to factor in a new battery.

Or just replace the battery if it’s over 10 years of age.

 

[DSM10000]

Just been chatting to a mate in office he came up with the battery theory. I will check ATF levels. Could not see any leaks last night, but had to crack on with some jobs around the house so will try and a 'proper' look. Coming from having Lexus 400 for last 15 years, much simpler electronics and less sensitive to iffy batteries.

Unsure if your model has the option for a transmission dipstick.

 

[slade1]

No dip stick on 7 speed transmission.
Go for cheap option first, try to get the codes read using MB STAR diagnostics.
Low battery will throw up all sorts of problems, no speedo, lights, indicators not working etc.
If that does happen when starting, run at fast idle, 1500 RPM for a few minutes, stop engine and remove key
Res-start the engine and usually every thing works.
There could be a problem with electroplate, gears not working or changing up to next gear etc.

 

[CotswoldPete]

Battery is fine, turns out to be rear wheel sensor failed. I did mount the kerb the other day when reversing, at about 10mph, bit surprised that is enough to cause this havoc and send the gear box in a tizzy. Just wondering if all it has done is dislodged it, but my days of jacking up cars now long over. Off to my trusted indy

 

[slade1]

Join the club, my days are also long gone jacking up a car.

 

[CotswoldPete]

So the Merc off the road for a while once AA had it towed to garage.

AA said wheel sensor showing fault, but it turned out to be sensor faulty, and spring had broken, and new wheel bearing needed. Garage was so chock with work that had to wait two weeks to get it on ramp, and then a new wheel bearing took two weeks to arrive. Car now running and what I thought was really bad drop link chatter has gone, so I assume that was the spring already broke and just hanging on - and then when I mounted a kerb it really kick the whole mess off properly. Not got the garage bill yet, but not having to rely on the wifes MX2

Not sure why a wheel bearing would take so long, would have thought a common thing to have in stock.

Next thing to get sorted is leaky AC condenser and then hopefully AC will work