Auto box - poor shift - any adjustments?

[fabes]

Hi

I have a 6sp seq auto on my C220CDI coupe

The change up from 1st to second leaves what I think is a lot to be desired.

Having been in a Jag auto this weekend (the only other auto I have been in since getting my 3 year old Merc 3 months ago) the shift up was nigh on seamless.

Unless I lift to match revs when it changes gear, the car and passengers lurch forward as it changes up. Lifting a little means I can make the change unnoticeable (almost)

Under acceleration (from the lights or at a junction) it’s a really annoying

Second to third is also noticeable, from there on up through the box not really noticeable, but that’s not to say the problem isn’t still there.

It’s been like this since I have had it (with an clear RAC report) and is the same on manual selection. Down shifting is fine though..

Now I know opinion is that this isn’t the best of boxes, but is this normal?

Are boxes adjustable or is this transmission going south on me and about to fail?

I am planning to book into local specialists (as recommended here) Bursledon Motors, next week to see if any adjustments are possible, but before I do, how should I set my expectations

Anybody else come across this – or adjusting gearshifts?

Advices appreciated

Cheers

Fabes

 

[Dieselman]

Two things come to mind.

Change the ATF and filter
Fit a new MAF sensor

Do them in this order as the ATF won't have been changed anyway and it does need it, contrary to popular belief.

Maybe a trip to see member BlackC55 would be a good investment.

 

[fabes]

Okay

Firstly what is the ATF and filter (auto transmission....?)

MAF I know ( I had a renault last, 'nuff said)

Will bear this in mind and look it up...

Anything else though- has anyone had / or got this auto box?

Cheers

Fabes

 

[Dieselman]

Automatic Transmission Fluid..

All 5 speeders from 1997 to now use that gearbox, whether auto or tip shift.
It's known as a 722.6 gearbox.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Low ATF level can cause this problem. Buy a dipstick from the dealer, or take it in and have it dipped (takes 30 seconds).

Don't be tempted to put any ATF in without first dipping.

 

[fabes]

Automatic Transmission Fluid..

All 5 speeders from 1997 to now use that gearbox, whether auto or tip shift.
It's known as a 722.6 gearbox.

Cheers

I take it that you mean 6 speed (plus reverse?) though

odd name - really catchy (!)

Will take you up on that though - and check it anyway

Fabes

 

[BlackC55]

If you want me to look at it I would be more than happy. See website.

(Thanks Dieselman)

 

[Dieselman]

Cheers

I take it that you mean 6 speed (plus reverse?) though

odd name - really catchy (!)

Will take you up on that though - and check it anyway

Fabes

It's classed as a 5 speed as it uses 5 forward gears. There is a 6th gear but only a replacement 1st gear in W/C mode.

 

[fabes]

It's classed as a 5 speed as it uses 5 forward gears. There is a 6th gear but only a replacement 1st gear in W/C mode.

Gents

I am confused (would confuse a stupid person)

I have 6 forward gears

W/c = winter conditions?

Please spell it out to me as I am genuinely interested in understanding why they would class a car with 6 gears, a 5 gear car (plus reverse obviously)

Cheers

Fabes

 

[Bazzle]

What year is your car?

If you think it has 6 speeds because you feel them its prob the torque convertor locking on cruise.

Get the fluid changed.
Get the gearbox computer re adapted
The maf is known to cause issues like this.
(clean insert 1st)
ONLY buy an Bosch insert of same number in car.

Listen to the posters above

Bazzle

 

[pammy]

Your auto box will have two settings, either W & S or C & S(I think it's C & S, mine's a W & S)

W (or C means) Winter or Comfort setting, for use in icy conditions if W or for less sporty feel if C. The other setting will be S for Standard for normal use. In W or C your car will start off usually in a higher gear - just as if you were in a manual trying to set off in snow etc - you'd normally use 2nd instead of 1st. The auto box when set to W or C also sets off in 2nd rather than 1st.

 

[timskemp]

I have 6 forward gears

You sure it's an auto, and not the sequential manual? Post a pic of the gearlever!

 

[Stratman]

This sounds like the "Sequentronic" box.

See this thread

 

[fuzzer]

yeah , was gonna say , sounds like the SEQUETRONIC

 

[fabes]

You sure it's an auto, and not the sequential manual? Post a pic of the gearlever!

okay here is a snap of the gear stick (wife thinks I'm weird btw!)

Its a 53 reg 220CDI SCoupe

This box
Has 6 forward gears - I can select them when driving
shows gears 1 to 6 on the display
has a seperate R gear (obviously)

I have poured over the manual and in car computer and can find no mention of settings (winter or otherwise)

And on the Vehicle Spec sheet I had faxed over from Maastricht when I bought it it states it has

424 - SEQUENTRONIC (easy-shift m.transmission)

It looks like the shift in a Smart

So yes its the Sequentronic - which I know , as I said at the beginning, has not had the best of press.

Be gentle with me (and my wallet - or rather the warranty company's !) and what have I got to look forward to?

Am seeing Bursledon Motors tomorrow so Colin will probably be the harbenger of doom!

Looking at thread now

RSCP chaps

Fabes

 

[timskemp]

OK, just for clarity:

Manual - 6 spd, H patter gearshift, three pedals.
Auto - 5 speed, traditional PRND gearshift, two pedals
Sequentronic - 6spd, two pedals.

The Sequentronic isn't considered an auto on here - it's an automated manual, and the jerkiness you mention is pretty normal. You'll have to learn to drive around it (as Smart drivers do).

 

[fabes]

You sure it's an auto, and not the sequential manual? Post a pic of the gearlever!

AHA

Read thread and it all makes sense

Yes fuel econ is v good (50mpg on a long trip and no chance of a seamless change up AND having to go manual to press on)
Oh well - at least I know I have a normal (not exactly awful) box and will live with it.

Will see Bursledon motors tomorrow just to check the ATF levels etc anyway

Cheers

Fabes

 

[1998K]

does someone know how a sequentronic perform respect a auto? I'm driving my first auto on my C270cdi, I know it was available at that time with manual, auto or sequentronic.

If I don't go wrong sequentronic is no more available, isn'it?
I've heard also that previous A-class equipped with sequentronic didn't perform very well compared to a manual or a auto.

thanke for any information.

 

[fabes]

AHA



Will see Bursledon motors tomorrow just to check the ATF levels etc anyway

Cheers

Fabes

Clean bill of health - and now I will adapt my driving to the box

Probably should have looked that one feature up before buying the car, but it wouldn't have put me off (looked at everything else, but the box)

At least I am informed its reliable (moreso than standard auto boxes) so there's the silver lining

Cheers for the advice

Fabes

 

[BlackC55]

There are not many of those around. Very rare indeed. The box has regular gearbox oil in it not atf I believe.

It is a normal manual box with controls. It takes a bit of getting used to and takes a while to get the changes smooth. I would not say it is actually a good system and I have seen one go wrong and no gears could be selected.

Glad to see its sorted.