Gearbox problem?

[llotse]

Hi, I have searched but not been able to find an answer, hoping someone can help. Our E320CDI W210 is having problems. Occasionally the gearbox will not change up from 1st. If the car is stopped and then restarted it seems to cure the problem. Does anyone have any idea as the what the fault might be?

 

[Roger Jones]

No idea, I'm afraid, but I would check the fluid level and quality before doing anything else. Unless it's bright translucent winey pink, change it, and make sure the level is spot on. Google or search this site for specific instructions on the process; it is something to tackle with surgical cleanliness and care.

If you need a transmission specialist:

http://www.fedauto.co.uk/

which is at

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/faq.htm?id=16

 

[Adam230K]

Sounds like its in limp mode. Get the codes read, you never know, it could be a small problem (or big).

 

[welland99]

Hi, I have searched but not been able to find an answer, hoping someone can help. Our E320CDI W210 is having problems. Occasionally the gearbox will not change up from 1st. If the car is stopped and then restarted it seems to cure the problem. Does anyone have any idea as the what the fault might be?

Could you change gear manually by moving the gear lever to 2?

 

[llotse]

Could you change gear manually by moving the gear lever to 2?

Not tried that but will tomorrow. Thanks for all the replies so far.

 

[maher]

I had the same problem, the car was parcked for over a year, and then when i charged the battry, the engin souns good, but when selecting gears nothing happns,R,D,4,3,2,1. nothing the car will not move.
then i changed the ATF and a new filter, the car now has only R, and 1st gear, if i move the gear stik to D,4,3,2,1. all the same nothing but 1st gear.
what would the problem be, any help please people. i need to get it up and runing. thanks for any help.

 

[chrisbrad66]

I had the same problem, the car was parcked for over a year, and then when i charged the battry, the engin souns good, but when selecting gears nothing happns,R,D,4,3,2,1. nothing the car will not move.
then i changed the ATF and a new filter, the car now has only R, and 1st gear, if i move the gear stik to D,4,3,2,1. all the same nothing but 1st gear.
what would the problem be, any help please people. i need to get it up and runing. thanks for any help.

sounds like the oil galleries in the gear box may have become blocked while being stood,also the solenoids may be stuck due to lack of use, try getting the transmission oil up to temperature then drain and flush drain again renew filter then refill and go for another run

 

[maher]

sounds like the oil galleries in the gear box may have become blocked while being stood,also the solenoids may be stuck due to lack of use, try getting the transmission oil up to temperature then drain and flush drain again renew filter then refill and go for another run

thanks for the reply, when you say run the transmission oil up to temperature, how long do i need to drive it for, for it to reach the temperatur .
and is it an easy thing to clean the galleries and the soleoids..
many thanks Chris

 

[BlackC55]

At least 30 mins to warm it up properly.

Get the fault codes read and the level checked first.

 

[maher]

Codes

At least 30 mins to warm it up properly.

Get the fault codes read and the level checked first.

Thanks again.
where can i get a list of the explenations of codes.

 

[llotse]

Finally got around to changing the Gearbox oil. Works perfectly now, thank you all very very much. Hope you got it sorted Maher.

 

[daveboy]

Had the same probs on my ml55 amg gear box rebuild i had to have, lucky i new someone that can rebuild them REMOVE,REBUILD,UPGADE,REFIT,£1900 CASH.

 

[henrivan]

Hi there, here is the answer to your problem. Believe it or not but change your battery. If the battery voltage is low the gearbox does not change up. However, if you run for a few minutes (in first gear) and switch off, the alternator has raised the battery voltage so when you restart the auto gearbox now sees a higher battery voltage and changes up as normal. Only happens when the car is left for a while e.g. overnight. Seems unbelievable - but it is absolutely true. I think the voltage minimum threshold is something like 12.1v

 

[henrivan]

Hi there - forgot to say, I had all the theories listed above - but believe it or not it was the main dealer (for a change) who pointed this out - actually very common prob on this model when battery is getting on a bit

 

[welland99]

Hi there, here is the answer to your problem. Believe it or not but change your battery. If the battery voltage is low the gearbox does not change up. However, if you run for a few minutes (in first gear) and switch off, the alternator has raised the battery voltage so when you restart the auto gearbox now sees a higher battery voltage and changes up as normal. Only happens when the car is left for a while e.g. overnight. Seems unbelievable - but it is absolutely true. I think the voltage minimum threshold is something like 12.1v

Yes, I do find this extremely surprising. How could the battery have enough power to start a heavy engine, but not enough to change gear?

 

[BlackC55]

Its true believe me!!