is this even possible!!!!

[television]

We still don't know if its an automatic or not. If its a manual and there was trouble getting it into neutral then that does indeed imply a clutch or box problem before it was even towed

Or if the car was facing down hill and that it was difficult to disengage the parking pawl

 

[grober]

7 Litres???????

all theyve said is gearbox is at fault
rac put about 7 litres in

Are you saying the RAC put 7 litres of oil into the auto gearbox?? Did they drain the old oil out? Was there any oil in the box at all? How did they check the level? When exactly did this happen in the timeline of events ? pre towing or after?

 

[television]

Are you saying the RAC put 7 litres of oil into the auto gearbox?? Did they drain the old oil out? Was there any oil in the box at all? How did they check the level? When exactly did this happen in the timeline of events ? pre towing or after?

I think he means 7 litres of diesel, but they still could not start it

 

[slik_sly]

yeh, 7 litres of diesel but still nothing, gearbox is automatic,
garage said gearbox is gone, will find out more on the weekend, thanks for the help so far

 

[grober]

Any chance the starter inhibitor switch on the gearbox selector is faulty or subsequently damaged by forcing the car into neutral? This refers only to the starting problem and not the gearbox damage.

 

[slik_sly]

we belive the garage dont have a clue what they are chatting about, is there any software that i can purchase and read fault codes?
carsoft?

 

[grober]

Get It To A Merc Specialist

we belive the garage dont have a clue what they are chatting about, is there any software that i can purchase and read fault codes?
carsoft?

There are software packages+ interface boxes or dedicated fault code readers but they are not cheap! I doubt if they could help with diagnosing the gearbox internal damage if it exists for example. Even after you get the fault codes they need interpretation by someone familiar with the model. Your friend is possibly best to get the car transported to a mercedes specialist who has the experience to repair the car. The expense of moving the car will be offset by savings on any repairs necessary.IMHO

 

[merc180k]

Out of interest why can you not tow an automatic for a long distance? Is this the same even if it is in neutral?

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Because the fluid will overheat and damage occurs.

Tbh you shouldn't tow any RWD car.

As for starting it, it will take a good few minutes of cranking to get it to turn over. Filling the fuel filter with diesel will help.

 

[television]

Out of interest why can you not tow an automatic for a long distance? Is this the same even if it is in neutral?

rear pumps were deleted on most auto boxes in the late 60's, with a rear pump the fluid is still being pumped around the box and you could tow start one of the cars, there was a danger when doing this as the car being towed could overtake the tow car, and they recommended push starting at speeds over 25 miles an hour (dont laugh its fact)

The box would over heat if it is towed to far without a rear pump, I see that MB have been talking about fitting one again