Mercedes Vito 2007 Gearbox Issues! HELP :(

[Arthur13]

Hello

Iv just bought a Mercedes Vito 2007 with 72k on the clock. Very happy with it so far apart from its horrible to drive! Im having issues with the gearbox, 1st to 2nd and sometimes 2nd to 3rd is the issue.

Its mainly 1st to 2nd, when i go from 1st to 2nd i get a slight crunch, it doesn't do it if i slide into 2nd really slowly or if i really smash it into 2nd but only when doing a normal gear change (which is so annoying!) It goes 3rd to 2nd fine and all gears feel good when the engine is off.

iv read a link online about changing the gearbox oil -

Poor First Gear Selection - Manual Gearbox Problem W639 Vito - Cure

and one about worn linkage -

Mercedes Gearbox Wear Point W639 - Mercedes Gen-In

I'm not a mechanic but i am not overly convinced changing the oil will fix the issue completely, yes i might help but i want to have a smooth gearbox as a Mercedes should!

But i am going to have the gearbox oil changed, and i will try look at linkages,

What else should i look at? i am able to get it on a ramp.

I believe the van has a recon gearbox and the vans previous owner from new used it around London so lots of start stop.

Id really appreciate any help and advise!

Thanks Arthur

 

[carat 3.6]

Change the oil for fresh atf, the 6 speed is very picky about it's oil.

 

[boyt]

Don't put atf in. Use the correct oil spec from Mercedes.
I've forgot the spec but can check when at laptop. Check the gear cables for adjustment and gearstick for wear in the ballpoint. They did suffer with 1St and 2nd gear sycro wearing. Gearbox strip job but not to hard for a Mercedes specialist

 

[Arthur13]

Thanks, Like you said Boyt id actually rather use the correct spec but why shouldn't i use the ATF oil?

What sort of price would it be to strip the box down?

Thanks

 

[carat 3.6]

Don't put atf in. Use the correct oil spec from Mercedes.
I've forgot the spec but can check when at laptop. Check the gear cables for adjustment and gearstick for wear in the ballpoint. They did suffer with 1St and 2nd gear sycro wearing. Gearbox strip job but not to hard for a Mercedes specialist

The recomended oil from mercedes is too thick, it doesnt let the syncro's do their job properly. Hence the crunchy gear change's that are fine when done slowly.

 

[boyt]

We only had sycro issues on the early 639 vitos. And when new modified sycro and gears are fitted never get the issues again. So can't see it being the oil to thick.

Make sure the gear cables are adjusted correctly. There is a special tool for that. And check the gearstick before removing the box. Not sure on cost will need chassis number to check parts price. Where you based?

 

[carat 3.6]

We only had sycro issues on the early 639 vitos. And when new modified sycro and gears are fitted never get the issues again. So can't see it being the oil to thick.

The cars that use'd the 716 gearbox also suffered with the same issue. Mercedes answer for those was to reduce the oil level in the box, which doesn't fully cure it. The later box'es are modified, but still suffer the issue.

It's surprising how much smoother the 716 gearbox is with atf oil, or in the case of my own vehicles, royal purple sycromax.

 

[StMarks]

Carat 3.6 is correct. The advice about the ATF being more suited is totally valid.
However at just 72k your gearbox really shouldn't be that bad IMHO.
I would check the mileages on the old MOT's here, if I were you.: https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
My 2007 109cdi has over 220k, and my gearbox is fine (now )

 

[Arthur13]

We only had sycro issues on the early 639 vitos. And when new modified sycro and gears are fitted never get the issues again. So can't see it being the oil to thick.

Make sure the gear cables are adjusted correctly. There is a special tool for that. And check the gearstick before removing the box. Not sure on cost will need chassis number to check parts price. Where you based?

Im in Wiltshire, whats the special tool?

 

[Arthur13]

Carat 3.6 is correct. The advice about the ATF being more suited is totally valid.
However at just 72k your gearbox really shouldn't be that bad IMHO.
I would check the mileages on the old MOT's here, if I were you.: https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
My 2007 109cdi has over 220k, and my gearbox is fine (now )

Iv done a check and the millage is genuine as i expected, i think the van has a recon box! which is strange? i think the van was used buy a building company is London, so id imagine it had lots of use in 1st 2nd and 3rd in traffic!

 

[StMarks]

Iv done a check and the millage is genuine as i expected, i think the van has a recon box! which is strange? i think the van was used buy a building company is London, so id imagine it had lots of use in 1st 2nd and 3rd in traffic!

Very good point Arthur. The fact that it has needed a replacement box so early in it's life would tie in to that assumption.
However we now have no way of knowing the actual mileage of the box that is currently fitted. If the current one has covered around 200k then I would expect the change from 1st to second to be a bit notchy, more especially when the gearbox is cold.
Did you read my thread, about my 109cdi gearbox issues & repair.? http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/184756-vito-639-gearbox-repair.html
Fwiw, one of the times when I refitted it I altered the cable adjustment on the selector, and that made almost all the gears awkward to select. I didn't have a "special tool" to correct it. But it wasn't difficult IMHO, just a bit fiddly.

Good luck

 

[boyt]

I have a special tool, if you ask nicely I might even post it to you if you promise to post it back!

Andy

 

[Gaz-M]

I have a 639 109 and the gear selection wasnt great, decided to change the gear oil, when i drained it, it had ATF in it. I put the recommended oil by Comma in it and it made a big difference!

Its still not perfect but as far as i ever read, they never are!

So looks like its maybe just hit or miss as to what improves each one?

I also think i could do with adjusting my front to rear throw of the gearshift, hows that done?


Im after a Vito 120 with auto next!

 

[StMarks]

......I also think i could do with adjusting my front to rear throw of the gearshift, hows that done?

http://www.mercedes.gen.in/Download...djusting manual transmission shift cables.pdf

 

[Arthur13]

I have a special tool, if you ask nicely I might even post it to you if you promise to post it back!

Andy

Thats very kind of you thank you! but what is this "special tool"?

 

[Arthur13]

I have a special tool, if you ask nicely I might even post it to you if you promise to post it back!

Andy

Andy, Can i borrow this tool please? i promise il send it back!

 

[Arthur13]

So now my gearbox has had enough, stuck in 4th and can't select anything! gearstick is just floppy and won't go side to side! regretting buying a Mercedes...!

 

[StMarks]

So now my gearbox has had enough, stuck in 4th and can't select anything! gearstick is just floppy and won't go side to side! regretting buying a Mercedes...!

There is a cradle that fits round the rear of the gearbox, that is actuated by the two cables from your gear lever mechanism.
Fwiw, if I were you I would drag yourself under there and watch what is happening whilst someone in the cab tries using the gear lever.

 

[carat 3.6]

As StMarks has said.

That's not the box itself, but a problem with the gear linkage. Should be a quick fix.

 

[nnightwolf]

we are curious what is a special tool? for the gearbox?