W638 Auto Transmission problem

[fudge1200]

Hi Looking for some help/advice on a problem that happened this morning.

I don't use the vehicle much and every time I start it I have to put it into reverse because of the way I have to park it, I then put it into D, when I pull away off the drive there is normally quite a lot of water on the road/driveway when it has been raining never thought much about it presumed it is rainwater which has collected in various nooks and crannies, This morning I was able to drive straight off the driveway without putting it in reverse I did not see much water on the road from the vehicle which is unusual as it has not stopped raining for days, I drive to the end of my road approx 150 yds touch the brake pedal to slow down at the junction which was clear turn the wheel left put my foot on accelarator NO drive at the wheels pull in to the side of the road put it through the gears and I can feel the slight judder it makes when going into gear but it will not drive the wheels, got underneath to check drive shafts etc all seem ok had a quick fiddle about with some wires no good, At this point the warning light for the box was NOT ON, called the recovery people who towed it back to my home, when he took it off recovery truck we pushed it onto the driveway I started it to see if there was any different still not driving the wheels, But, the gearbox warning light was on.
Do you think this could have anything to do with the water that did not flow away as usual causing a problem with the electrics.
As yet I have not been able to check it out as it is still RAINING.

It just seems weird that for years I have always put it into reverse first never had a problem the first time I put it into D first this happens, could it just be gremlins.

 

[BlackC55]

These gear boxes fitted to your car can be troublesome. There will be fault codes logged due to the light on. This will guide you to your issue.

The first thing to do is get it plugged in. The 638 is near impossible to diagnose without a Star.

Then the ATF level needs to be checked.

I doubt the water isse has anything to do with it but they do suffer with water ingress in the engine control unit and spark plug holes.

Get the codes read first.

 

[jaymanek]

From memory these use a similar box layout to the A Class and those are terrible.

Like Olly says, no point guessing, really needs to be on a Star.

 

[BlackC55]

The engine and 'box have to be dropped in one unit if it need overhauling. BIG job too.

They do suffer with the box's over heating. Can be cured with an additional oil cooler.

 

[fudge1200]

I suppose I was hoping it would be something silly, problem is getting it to a garage with a star system, did a bit of searching and there is an independant approx 10 miles from me who collect tried phoning them but they were closed will try again on Monday, There is no dipstick tube on the box to check the fluid level although it does not leak, I think the time has come with nearly 223k on it to maybe break it as I don't want to spend a lot of money on it although, it just passed the mot with no advisories, will wait and see what they say.
Many Thanks for your advice.

 

[fudge1200]

Checked it out Today and found an electrical connector on bulkhead near brake servo had come apart, put it back together Trans warning light went out also noticed water has been leaking from the screen washer bottle wetting the cables that are covered by a plastic pouch tried drying them out started it and the warning light goes out and when I put it into D or R there is not so much of a thump seems like it wants to go but something is stopping it, It is now raining again will try again tomorrow to see if the cables are drier.

 

[marine10]

hello i have same problem light on did you get it sorted cheers rich