URGENT HELP PLEASE - E240 auto

[Charles.Y]

URGENT ADVICE PLEASE !!!

My E240 auto (1998 model) recently is experiencing some problems which I haven't got a clue where the problem is:

1) When cold start and put gear into 'D'rive, the car won't move for a few seconds and then a big jerk then starts to move. This only happens when the engine is cold particularly in the morning.

2) Sometimes when driving coming to a traffic light (for example), the car won't move for a few seconds (and then a jerk then starts to move) after changing the gear from 'D'rive to 'N'ormal and then 'D' again.

3) After starting the car with cold engine and drives on, sometimes the gear won't change up (even its set to 'D') with the gas pedal pressed. The gear was still in 2nd gear (20 mph) but the rev is reaching 3500 to 4000 rpm. This situation sometimes lasts for a few minute and the the gear change will go back to normal.

I took it to a authorised MB garage for a check to verify the problems, they offered me a very expensive refurblished transmission replacement which they 'think' that will cure all the above problems. I am not quite convinced if this is solution as it doesn't explain why the problems only happened when the engine is cold.

Please can someone give me some ideas where the problem is. Could it be the ECU or something electronics rather than mechanical? MB also said the gear box oil is checked and OK.

Please help.

 

[Charles.Y]

Any pointers please.

 

[Peter DLM]

It's had a fluid flush and replace? Checked not really good enough.

Disconnecting the battery can help reset any confused g/box ECUs as well.

 

[Stratman]

Low fluid.

 

[Big_Jon]

Sounds very much like ATF, get a change done, along with replacement filter and possibly as previously mentioned, ECU reset also.

 

[Iain]

Low Fluid

 

[Charles.Y]

Thanks guys for the advice so far.
Can I just confirm that the advice is
1) to flush out and refill the gearbox fluid / automatic transmission fluid and
2) to replace the ATF filter?
2) and to disconect the batt to reset the ECU

 

[Dieselman]

I'm pretty sure disconnecting the battery won't do anything, it's not an ECU issue anyway.

 

[mikeoldskool]

i would look at having a diagnostic check done and see what codes come up when was the last time the oil and filter was changed in the box ????

 

[Charles.Y]

In my last 6 years ownership I don't recall the services (and they are all MB garage services) had done any ATF change at all.

 

[Charles.Y]

Please can someone advice if there are reliable indies in the Brentwood/Essex area to cary out the works. MB garage will be just too expensive and I will not trust them on this occassion.

 

[Peter DLM]

Basildon and Hainult. Around £225 http://www.motoraiduk.com/

MBTechnician, a member here, is in Romford and will also quote you.

 

[SilverSaloon]

if you usually feel competant to replace engine oil yourself then doing the ATF is not any harder. you could do it yourself.

 

[johnsco]

if you usually feel competant to replace engine oil yourself then doing the ATF is not any harder. you could do it yourself.

Draining and refilling the ATF sump is easy enough.
However - A couple of things to watch ...

1. Does this car have a dipstick ?
If not you need to borrow one to ensure the correct fluid level.
2. Draining the sump will not necessarily drain the torque converter.
This isn't all that easy to do.
I tend not to bother, and drain the sump and refill to the correct level that bit more often.
It achieves the same end.
3. If you wish to change the filter (and I would certainly recommend this, if you do not know when it was last done) - Then this requires scrupulous cleanliness. Any dust or grit off your hands or overalls could be fatal to the auto box.
Also, if you do want to change the filter, make sure you obtain a new sump gasket in advance.
They usually fit beautifully
Refitting the old gasket is not recommended.

A fluid and filter change followed by a level check is definitely where I would start.

Charles ... I also think it is not a very good idea to continue to drive the car in this condition.
If the problem is low fluid (or contaminated fluid), you could do expensive damage.

Johnsco

 

[seymansey]

Item 3 in your list is to do with the autobox cold start feature. From cold, the car will 'hang on' to each gear for a little while longer on purpose to assist the engine in getting up to speed quicker. This is normal, and as you have said, dissappears after a few minutes

 

[Charles.Y]

Just rang the MB which just did my 240 service last week and carried out the check and in the end recommended the Transmission replacement.

They confirmed that they have also done a diagnostic check (in addition to the ATF check) and have found nothing wrong and they wouldn't recommend to 'waste' money on changing the ATF and filter - therefore did not give me a quote for that . They still insist that a transmission replacement (or a MB reconditioned one which costs less for £2.5k ) will cure all the problems.

I assume they 'know' what they are doing

 

[Charles.Y]

Item 3 in your list is to do with the autobox cold start feature. From cold, the car will 'hang on' to each gear for a little while longer on purpose to assist the engine in getting up to speed quicker. This is normal, and as you have said, dissappears after a few minutes

Since I have had the car for 6 years+, I do notice that the gear do 'hang on' for much much longer now than before. Having 4k rpm on 2nd gear is I never experienced before. I tried to change the mode between 'W'inter and 'S'tandard but found no differences. That's also what MB has adviced as this helps to heat up the exhaust quicker.

BTW, the violent jerk problem (when cold) seems has disappeared after the service which I just got more confused.

 

[johnsco]

Just rang the MB which just did my 240 service last week and carried out the check and in the end recommended the Transmission replacement.

They confirmed that they have also done a diagnostic check (in addition to the ATF check) and have found nothing wrong and they wouldn't recommend to 'waste' money on changing the ATF and filter - therefore did not give me a quote for that . They still insist that a transmission replacement (or a MB reconditioned one which costs less for £2.5k ) will cure all the problems.

I assume they 'know' what they are doing

It may well be that there is a serious problem with the auto-box and that a replacement is required.
Even so - Before I spent £2.5k, or anything like that, I would change the flud and filter.
£20 for ATF
£15 for a filter
£15 for a gasket
Prices are my guess. (Might be a bit less).
Get parts from Euro Car Parts or GSF

If that doesn't cure it, you are really in their hands.
(And I would be myself)
I would certainly find a good local independent rather than a main dealer.

Cheers
Johnsco

 

[Charles.Y]

I think I can now repeat the rev too high and gear won't change up problem. It is probably nothing to do with the gearbox at all.

As I mentioned earier, it revs quite high and refused to change up only when the engine cold. I have now found out that the problem will not occur if I wait for the engine rev (after starting) to drop down from 1300rpm to about 5k rpm idle speed before drive off.

IMO, this may have nothing to do with the gearbox at all since the gear will now change up and down as it should at the correct rev/speed (if I do the above as described). I just wonder could it be the MAF sensor or the Idle Stabilizer Valve (if they do exist in the E240) or else. Please advice.