Official test proceedure for Valeo radiator issue.

[BlackC55]

Humming/droning noises, or jolting during gentle acceleration between engine speed of 1200 - 2500 rpm -

Topic number​

LI27.55-P-019975

Version​

2

Group number​

27.55 Transmission oil cooling

Date​

04-18-2005

Validity​

Model series 203 up to production date 9/2003 with M111/271/112/OM646/OM611/612.990 and automatic transmission 722.6
Model series 209 up to production date 9/2003 with M271/112/113/OM612 and automatic transmission 722.6

Model series 211 up to production date 9/2003 with M271/113/OM628/647/648 and automatic transmission 722.6

Reason for change​

English text version revised

Complaint During gentle acceleration humming/droning noises can occur in the speed range between 1200 - 2500 rpm. Likewise it cannot be ruled out that the vehicle will jolt in the rpm range stated.

The complaint can be reproduced at any time.


Cause The complaint can be caused by a faulty transmission control unit, a torque converter lockup clutch which has not been adapted, a fouled torque converter lockup clutch disk or by glycol in the transmission oil, see Tips documents.


Remedy CAUTION:
Always work through steps 1-4 in sequence:

1.) The complaint is no longer reproducible after disengaging the torque converter lockup clutch on an experimental basis. Deactivate the torque converter lockup clutch for one ignition sequence using DAS. Menu in DAS: Control units > Drive > ETC > Diagnosis routines > the torque converter lockup clutch can now be deactivated in transmission mode "W" or "C".

2.) Only on model series 211 up to chassis end number 089500:
Check transmission control unit: AF27.10-P-9100AG

3.) Perform torque converter lockup clutch adaptation as per documentation in TIPS

4.) The following basic conditions must exist:
If the complaint is still present after carrying out test steps 1-3, the glycol test is to be carried out if the vehicle was produced before 9/2003, a Valeo radiator is fitted (perform visual inspection - crimping must be visible, see annex "Valeo") and the mileage is >10,000km.

Instructions for glycol test (see also annex "Glycol test"):
1. Fill 0.5 ml of transmission oil with the pipette in the small glass container (see picture 1).
2. Fill with distilled water to 5 ml (see picture 2).
3. Add a drop of "Tenside" (see picture 3).
4. Add a microspoon of "Periodic acid" and rock the small glass container (see picture 4).
5. Allow to stand for five minutes (see picture 5).
6. Add ten drops of "caustic acid solution" (see picture 6).
7. Allow to stand for three minutes (see picture 7).
8. The sample separates into two layers; an upper and a lower layer. Immerse the syringe into the lower layer and take up approx. 4 ml of the lower layer using the syringe (see picture 8).
9. Pour the fluid taken up through the filter into a clean small glass container (see picture 9).
10. Immerse test sticks in the filtered solution for approx. 2 seconds, shake and wait for one minute reaction time (see picture 10). It is essential to adhere to the timing specifications otherwise a corruption of the test results occurs.
11. Compare the color of the test sticks with the color zones on the test tubes (see picture 11).

Carry out the repair procedure corresponding to the test result:
- Up to 100 mg/l of glycol in automatic transmission fluid-oil: Do not carry out a repair. Contact technical workshop service personnel.

- As of 100 mg/l up to 400 mg/l: Exchange radiator and converter. Clean/flush lines.

- As of 400 mg/l exchange radiator, converter and transmission. Clean/flush lines. Return shipment of a transmission oil sample required.

The entire scope of repair must be invoiced to damage code 2743104. If the transmission is replaced, type of repair 1 should be used (unit inquiry with detail of the replacement part costs in € and number of work units).

Operation number: G 02 4609 0 glycol test

IMPORTANT:
Return shipment of transmission oil sample.
A transmission oil sample (at least 200ml) must be removed from the vehicle subject to complaint and sent back via the usual channels in the oil sample container mentioned below with the old part (transmission) or also without the old part to the Market Performance Center (MPC). If this is not complied with we reserve the right to reject the warranty application.


Attachments
Allocation
File
Designation
CauseValeo.jpg Valeo radiatorRemedyGlycoltest.JPG.jpg Instructions

Symptoms
Symptom
power transmission / Power transmission, function / Vibrationspower transmission / Automatic transmission / Automatic transmission - noises / Generalpower transmission / Automatic transmission / Automatic transmission - noises / Humming/droningpower transmission / Automatic transmission / Automatic transmission - function / Shiftspower transmission / Power transmission, noise / Humming/droning

Parts
Part number
Designation
Quantity
Note
EPC
Non-EPC
A0009890009Glycol test 1 (only use together with glycol test 2)1Ensure that safety glasses are worn during the glycol test.
It is essential to comply with time details; otherwise it may be that the measured value result is distorted.
The Glycol Test has a shelf life of 18 months when stored at 15-25 C°.
A glycol test kit is designed for 30 tests.XA0009890014Glycol test 2 (only to be used together with glycol test 1)1XW00058949980 0Oil sample container with label1Inscribe label of oil sample containerX

Operation numbers/damage codes
Op. no.
Time
Damage code
Note
Operation text
2743104

Production measures
Model designation
Allocation
Production from
Production up to
Scheduled production breakpoint
Production measures
203Vehicle9/2003Introduction of revised sealing concept on Valeo radiators209Vehicle9/2003Introduction of revised sealing concept on Valeo radiators211Vehicle9/2003Introduction of revised sealing concept on Valeo radiators

Validities
Vehicle
Engine
Transmission
Major assembly (1)
Major assembly (2)
Major assembly (3)
E-Class 211271722***E-Class 211647722***CLK 209112.955722.618***CLK 209112.912722.696***CLK 209271722***C Class 203646722***C Class 203612.990****C Class 203111722.616***C Class 203112722.668***C Class 203112722.618***C Class 203112722.696***C Class 203112722.667***C Class 203271722.695***211.226648.961722.626***211.026648.961722.626***211.028628.961722.639***211.276113.990722.643***211.076113.990722.643***211.283113.969722.672***211.083113.969722.672***211.270113.967722.901***211.070113.967722.901***211.070113.967722.633***209.375113.968722.633***209.475113.968722.633***

This shows all the chassis numbers that are affected too.

This document is hot off the press.

 

[Dieselman]

Good document that one.

So if someone has a iffy transmission and is suffering from this then should they pour some antifreeze down the dipstick....???

 

[BlackC55]

As long ast the chassis matches.......

 

[JC180]

Top stuff Ollie,

My VIN 2032462F****** engine is 271 (722.695 gearbox) build date 09/2003 (most parts in vehicle stamped 09/2003) Delivery date 26.09.03 am I affected?

Can't seem to work it out from the VIN's as my second 3 digits mean my car is an estate and do not refer to the engine or gearbox.

Cheers.

Jacob

 

[glojo]

A year or two ago I posted the complete bulletin

Probably more info on my original post (wherever it is )

Regards
John

 

[JC180]

Thanks John

Your bulletin says vehicles produced before 09/2003 as mine was produced during 09/2003 I guess I should be OK???

 

[glojo]

Thanks John

Your bulletin says vehicles produced before 09/2003 as mine was produced during 09/2003 I guess I should be OK???

Unfortunately we have read a few posts regarding members with much newer vehicles thast have suffered the sam fate.

Sorry about that

Regards
John

 

[television]

Unfortunately we have read a few posts regarding members with much newer vehicles thast have suffered the sam fate.

Sorry about that

Regards
John

In fact John almost a year later on the last one

 

[JC180]

will check if I've got a valeo rad.

What about my chassis number though, 203.246 ... not on the list?

 

[glojo]

In fact John almost a year later on the last one

Agreed ,
But hopefully this bulletin will help convince dealers that it IS A KNOWN ISSUE

We have read a number of threads where dealers have tried to 'flannel' innocent car owners that there is no such problem or reported fault?

It would be nice to select a suitable message and perhaps consider making it a sticky as this must be the second or third time we have posted this information and I fear we are going to see more owners complaining about this issue?

Regards
John

 

[television]

Agreed ,
But hopefully this bulletin will help convince dealers that it IS A KNOWN ISSUE

We have read a number of threads where dealers have tried to 'flannel' innocent car owners that there is no such problem or reported fault?

It would be nice to select a suitable message and perhaps consider making it a sticky as this must be the second or third time we have posted this information and I fear we are going to see more owners complaining about this issue?

Regards
John

I have been with 5 on the other forum, mix that with Europe and the states and quite a few.

Surely the offer of a new rad at cost price would have been the best solution, what do MB pay for one, £100 max I would think. I know that this would be a admission that there was a problem

 

[larchlap]

Rad

Hi, can anyone tell me where the radiator is labeled as I cant find any name on mine (probaly looking in the wrong place) I have a 2002 C180 w203. Thanks in hopes of info. larchlap.

 

[television]

Hi, can anyone tell me where the radiator is labeled as I cant find any name on mine (probaly looking in the wrong place) I have a 2002 C180 w203. Thanks in hopes of info. larchlap.

If the car has a modified rad, there will be a white circular label on top of the oil cooler section

 

[television]

Still thinking about this, MB have come through a hard time over the rust issues of many cars, in a few years time when the trade get to know of this Valeo problem they will be avoiding the cars altogether that will be the 203-209-211 range over 4 years.

If the details get printed in Glasses guide, then the bona fide traders will know what to look out for and the affected models, kerbside motor outfits will see a quick pound or two to be made from them.

It will be interesting to see what happens

 

[JC180]

Contrast the MB attitude with my recent experience with HONDA.

My wife's HR-V has a CVT gearbox that had a judder when taking off. Took it in to the local dealer to have it checked out and within 10 minutes the service fellow says it is a known problem with this gearbox and as such Honda have extended the warranty on these boxes to 10 years!

Fitted new clutch packs and solenoids under warranty (car is a 2001) and I have the comfort that if anything else goes wrong with the box it is covered.

Now this is a firm that really cares about it's products!!!

 

[JC180]

1 further thing,

"Valeo has designed the 5 Axes methodology, which is the backbone of the firm’s identity. Its aim is to satisfy the client by achieving zero quality incidents, whichever the product and wherever it is manufactured. The 5 Axes are:

• Involvement of personnel;
• Production system;
• Supplier integration;
• Constant innovation;
• Total quality." - I think not.
  

Yeah right, their components on my Fiat were also crap.

I wonder who makes my engine ECU as thats crap too as are most of the suspension components

 

[timskemp]

A year or two ago I posted the complete bulletin

There's some minor revisions though - the original bulletin suggested replacing the TC at high glycol levels, the updated one suggests replacing entire transmission.

 

[recycled]

edit

 

[glojo]

There's some minor revisions though - the original bulletin suggested replacing the TC at high glycol levels, the updated one suggests replacing entire transmission.

I'll see what I can find out.

Regards
John

 

[glojo]

There's some minor revisions though - the original bulletin suggested replacing the TC at high glycol levels, the updated one suggests replacing entire transmission.

Just checked the latest bulletin and the only one I can find so far is the one I posted (in a condensed version)

Have you any further details please, although I will keep looking.

Regards
John