W202 Auto problems

[oohpickme]

Hey guys, I've recently bought a 1997 (pre facelift) W202 C180 auto with a 5 speed box and 84k miles on her.
I've been having a couple of issues with gear changes, When the car changes from 1st to second gear it can be quite harsh, almost violent. and the kick-down seems to work at first but it will just hang in the gear it changes to and seems to have a lack of power. Also it will occasionally seem like it cannot decide what gear it wants to be in, and sometimes will slip between gears. I have tries resetting the shift points wich helped for about 20 or so miles and then it was back to the way it was before. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[bran.c]

Have you checked oil level in the gearbox?

 

[neilrr]

Change the ATF.

 

[oohpickme]

I'm going to check the gearbox oil as soon as I get a dipstick for it and will let you know the results

 

[stwat]

Shouldn't a 202 already have a gearbox dipstick?

 

[noogieman]

violent gear changes between 1st and 2nd might also be bad o2 sensors.
if these were never replaced, might be a good start with these.
Boss says they last 100.000 miles, but will definatelly go bad earlier

good luck finding your issues

 

[neilrr]

Shouldn't a 202 already have a gearbox dipstick?

Mine does.

 

[gurpz]

Shouldn't a 202 already have a gearbox dipstick?

Early ones do but not the facelifts. I think the ones with the 4 speed box have it.

 

[neilrr]

I've got a dipstick in my 1998, R reg 5sp.

HTH.

 

[Pegger83]

I have a W203 C220 CDI on an 07 plate with very similar issues. It only has 80k. I had the Auto Fluid changed last year and the problem seems to have got worse now it has got cold. This issue is really concerning me.
I had a local specialist put a diagnostic machine on it. And it can up with wheel speed sensors. Which I have it booked in for this Friday.
But in all honesty, I'm considering to get rid of the car. I'm worried the gearbox is going to completely fail.
I also get pretty poor MPG to what I think I should be getting. I only got 30mpg this morning. Part motorway, part stuck in traffic kind of driving.

 

[gurpz]

I've got a dipstick in my 1998, R reg 5sp.

HTH.

You wouldnt happen to have a picture would you very interested to see this as I have never seen one fitted for a facelift from factory ?

 

[oohpickme]

I have checked the fluid in the gearbox and it is wat over the maximum level. And it is not the right colour. It looks more like manual transmission fluid to me, I'm wondering if it will be best to drop the oil that is in there and fill it back up with correct auto trassmision fluid.

 

[neilrr]

You wouldnt happen to have a picture would you very interested to see this as I have never seen one fitted for a facelift from factory ?

My apologies, I am wroing.

I have 2 W202s & must have confused the earlier N reg one with the R reg one in my head.

 

[altreed]

We had problems with our W202 '97 5 spd. It ended up are the Merc garage, under 3rd party warranty. They replaced an internal gearbox part which had been updated by MB after a number of geabox issues (dont know what it was), they replace the oil and all was well after. Pricey fix, but it was at the main dealer.

 

[Stratman]

I have checked the fluid in the gearbox and it is wat over the maximum level. And it is not the right colour. It looks more like manual transmission fluid to me, I'm wondering if it will be best to drop the oil that is in there and fill it back up with correct auto trassmision fluid.

Definitely. MB boxes are very choosey about the type and quantity of fluid.

Have a look at this thread for a detailed guide. It may not be exactly the same as yours but it'll be very close at the absolute worst.