SLK 230 K garage help needed around Dewsbury / Leeds

[Mark Thorens]

Hi Everyone,
my partner's SLK has become undrivable and she has been told she needs a new autobox and torque converter. The car is 13 years old but even so.... I'm a little surprised is gone quite so wrong on her.
We cant afford to get rid of the car right now so need someone to look at it and repair it at reasonable cost. Perhaps with a recon box if required.


Could you please suggest someone in our area who is honest and might be able to help? The car will need uplifting.

Thanks for your input.

Mark

 

[Mark Thorens]

Hi we live around Dewsbury/ Leeds. Thanks for taking an interest

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[grahamcol]

Welcome to the forum. I love these cars. Who told you a new box / converter was needed ? Mileage? Others will respond shortly but I'd suggest getting the car to a good Merc independant specialist for a proper star diagnosis if that's not already been done. I presume basic things like fluid level etc. have been checked. Good luck.

 

[Wighty]

There is a list of specialists on the MBO site , but I'm sure someone will make some suggestions/recommendations

 

[Mark Thorens]

Welcome to the forum. I love these cars. Who told you a new box / converter was needed ? Mileage? Others will respond shortly but I'd suggest getting the car to a good Merc independant specialist for a proper star diagnosis if that's not already been done. I presume basic things like fluid level etc. have been checked. Good luck.

Thanks Graham. I'm seeking help in doing just that.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[grahamcol]

Thanks Graham. I'm seeking help in doing just that.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

I know of a really good guy in the West Midlands but no good to you. I'm sure others will post soon with some suggestions. These boxes are generally very reliable and go on for 150k miles plus if properly looked after.

 

[LostKiwi]

What are the symptoms of the problem?

 

[Mark Thorens]

What are the symptoms of the problem?

Not dead sure until I try to drive it at weekend LK. She says it will travel for a few metres only.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[LostKiwi]

Get a piece of curtain wire and use it to check the auto trans oil level. There is a cap over the dipstick hole which you need to remove (they don't come with a transmission dipstick) and measure the height of the oil from the bottom of the curtain wire once the wire hits bottom.

Should be around 7cm of oil.

 

[Mark Thorens]

Thanks LK. Is the cap visible from the top of the engine bay?

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[LostKiwi]

Yes its back left of centre (when looking from the front of the car).
It may be black or red depending if its ever had a transmission oil change (which is highly recommended if it hasn't)!

 

[Mark Thorens]

Yes its back left of centre (when looking from the front of the car).
It may be black or red depending if its ever had a transmission oil change (which is highly recommended if it hasn't)!

Thanks. I'll have a look at weekend.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[GlosRichCLK]

Also dipsticks on Ebay from £4:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Merce...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

As everyone else says, that is where to start, check its got sufficient fluid in it, if not get a top up bottle from your local Merc dealer. You'll need a small funnel as you have to add it through the dipstick tube. There are YouTube videos if you search for it, showing you.

Also look underneath to see if its leaking out of the transmission.

A lot of auto transmission problems are just down to lack of fluid. Might just be stuck in a low gear because of lack of fluid.

 

[Mark Thorens]

Also dipsticks on Ebay from £4:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Merce...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

As everyone else says, that is where to start, check its got sufficient fluid in it, if not get a top up bottle from your local Merc dealer. You'll need a small funnel as you have to add it through the dipstick tube. There are YouTube videos if you search for it, showing you.

Also look underneath to see if its leaking out of the transmission.

A lot of auto transmission problems are just down to lack of fluid. Might just be stuck in a low gear because of lack of fluid.

Oh man..... If it were really just that, I'd be made up....... Everything crossed.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[Wighty]

Gearbox tube looks like this

 

[Mark Thorens]

View attachment 38524 Gearbox tube looks like this

You guys! You really are good to me. Thanks going to investigate at weekend.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk

 

[Mark Thorens]

To update this thread: obtained a dipstick for the transmission. Found the "dipping point" at the rear centre of the engine (it was completely open to the elements!) inserted the dipstick and only the very bottom surface of the dipstick is wet all, so I'm guessing that the oil level is critically low..... I have a litre of the correct oil which I'm going to attempt to funnel in.

I really would like to thank you all for a correct diagnosis - If this works she'll be so pleased with me.

Can I just ask please: Is a litre enough? Do I just funnel it down the dipstick tube a bit at a time? How long should it take?

The battery is also flat and is now on charge - everything crossed and a huge thanks to all for taking an interest!!!!
if this works we really need to talk about a good service and those rear wheel arches are rusting.......

 

[Wighty]

The ATF level needs to be measured with the car on a level surface , with the gearbox fluid hot ...usually after 15min drive , maybe 30 mins running if the car won't drive ??? The oil is measured with the engine running and in Park . I would then add oil 100ml at a time .
Does the oil that is in there now smell burnt or look black ? ..it should be red when new .
If there was no cap on the top of the tube , it will have absorbed water and dirt . You should immediately get an oil and filter change done !

 

[Mark Thorens]

The ATF level needs to be measured with the car on a level surface , with the gearbox fluid hot ...usually after 15min drive , maybe 30 mins running if the car won't drive ??? The oil is measured with the engine running and in Park . I would then add oil 100ml at a time .
Does the oil that is in there now smell burnt or look black ? ..it should be red when new .
If there was no cap on the top of the tube , it will have absorbed water and dirt . You should immediately get an oil and filter change done !

Ah.... Right some distance to go yet then. Will look at it on Tuesday afternoon. Thanks wighty.

Sent from my LG-H990 using Tapatalk