Sudden change up and sluggish running when cold

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

redspecial2000

Active Member
Joined
Feb 8, 2009
Messages
109
Location
Central Scotland
Car
C200 W204 Sport, SLK 200 R171
Hi all,

I've got a worsening problem with my 2005 SLK200 R171. When I start it up in the morning the idle sounds fine, I drive off in first and the autobox seems to upshift hard and a little early. If I slow in traffic when the engine temp is below 80 the car "bunny hops" a little in second until I slow it enough to drop back to first.

It also seems lethargic in the throttle response when cold- really sluggish and you have to work the power on to get any speed out of roundabouts and bends.

Once the engine warms up, all is well again and the gearbox is as smooth as it should be.

All very strange- any ideas?
 
Should have also said that it has had the gearbox filter and fluid changed at a MB specialist about 3 months ago and this didn't cure the issue...
 
Are you sure they changed the filter? How much fluid did they charge you for?
 
Hi Ian,

I watched them do it and yes they changed the filter. They also flushed through the gearbox fully first. Can't recall how much they put in but I seem to recall it being a fair bit and it costing a fair bit too!

The really strange thing is that I've switched to S mode on the gearbox and all is well again. The issue only appears to be when the gearbox is on C mode on a warm up...
 
Sorted!

After a bit of thought I figured getting the MAF sensor cleaned would eliminate that from the issues...

Took the air filter out, cleaned up the air box and sprayed some Contact cleaner (£2 Maplins) through the mesh to the MAF. Left the whole lot to dry out for an hour or two and then put it all back together again.

From the first start the difference was noticable and no more sudden upchanges or power loss.

Hopefully this will continue!
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom