W203 estate 220 CDI...auto gear selection stuck

[Doe1000]

Evening all,

I have noticed recently that the car sometimes get stuck in one gear. I have to pull over, turn off engine before the auto selection goes back to normal. The screen display shows its in drive but it seem to just get stuck probably in 2nd.
I went to change my engine oil today and when i removed the rear cover i noticed the area around the gearbox was damp with oil. Is this normal or should I be saving for a new gearbox soon. Current millage is 170k+.


Thanks

 

[grumpyoldgit]

I would think that you need to get the leak and the ATF level checked, along with the selector linkage for wear. Low ATF level may be the problem, but the leak needs fixing to stop it reoccurring.

 

[mad4amanda]

Is it when the oil is cold? Mine occasionally did this on my old BMW 540i.
I would be starting with a full fluid and filter change for the box if not done in the last 30K at the same time I think the specialist can check the valve block for faults and read the box ecu

 

[Doe1000]

Thanks guys. Taking it in next week.
I think the gearbox is actually going into limp mode. The oil hasn't been changed in the last 100k miles. So I guess a change is overdue.