C250 hesitant acceleration

RadiumRob

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Car is a 2014 C250 AMG line 2.1 Litre Bluetec Auto. 54000 miles.

The car consistently hesitates on acceleration at moderate speeds, it's as if the engine doesn't respond to the accelerator being pressed. If I kick-down the car usually accelerates rapidly as expected. It never happens at low speed around town, and nearly always happens when driving up hills. Sometimes the car will seem to jolt before acceleration picks up. A MB specialist garage (not dealer) could find no codes.

I'm hoping there's a reasonably-priced fix for this. My PCP expires in October and I don't want to spend so much that it commits me to keeping the car rather than renewing.

Grateful for any ideas.
 

John Laidlaw

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Surprised indeed there were no codes on star, guess throttle pedal itself could be a culprit.
Are you sure your independent has the right diagnostic?
 
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RadiumRob

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Surprised indeed there were no codes on star, guess throttle pedal itself could be a culprit.
Are you sure your independent has the right diagnostic?

I'm not certain he has the correct diagnostic. He's an ex Merc tech now specialising as seen independent. I guess it may be time to bite the bullet and take it in to MB for diagnosis.
 

John Laidlaw

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I'm not certain he has the correct diagnostic. He's an ex Merc tech now specialising as seen independent. I guess it may be time to bite the bullet and take it in to MB for diagnosis.
Or another independent who you know has Star diagnostic would be better- where are you based? Maybe we can recommend someone
 
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RadiumRob

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Or another independent who you know has Star diagnostic would be better- where are you based? Maybe we can recommend someone
I'm in Dorchester, Dorset. Is there someone local?

Thanks
 

John Laidlaw

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I believe @AMGeed uses Star Tech in Poole, hopefully he’ll see this and confirm....
 

alexanderfoti

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Sounds like potentialy a torque converter lockup issue or other gearbox related issue.
 

AMGeed

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I believe @AMGeed uses Star Tech in Poole, hopefully he’ll see this and confirm....

Star-tech in Poole is the nearest MB indy to you in Dorchester. Be sure to ring beforehand to make an appointment.
They do have the same Star diagnostic equipment as the main dealer but their labour charge is around 50% less at £69+vat per hr.

MBS is where I prefer to take my E55, just because Cole has been servicing all my cars for a long time and I have bult a good relationship with them.
Star Tech are, however, very good. Do check if they have a courtesy car in case you have to leave yours for a more extensive repair that can't be completed in a day.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir//Go...537a0b1426eaa97!2m2!1d-1.9932337!2d50.7413074

https://www.star-tech.co.uk/
 
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RadiumRob

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Sounds like potentialy a torque converter lockup issue or other gearbox related issue.

Thanks.

Looks like you're right. Had the codes read, it showed P278300 - friction power of the torque converter is too high, also U012200- communication with control unit 'traction system' has a malfunction'.

Any idea what might cause these?
 

alexanderfoti

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Thanks.

Looks like you're right. Had the codes read, it showed P278300 - friction power of the torque converter is too high, also U012200- communication with control unit 'traction system' has a malfunction'.

Any idea what might cause these?

On 5G's its commonly the lockup solenoid. Could be a few things, but that would be where I would start. Easy to rule out with Xentry.
 
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RadiumRob

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On 5G's its commonly the lockup solenoid. Could be a few things, but that would be where I would start. Easy to rule out with Xentry.

Thanks.

I have the Xentry printout, what should I look for?
 

alexanderfoti

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Thanks.

I have the Xentry printout, what should I look for?

You need to go through the diagnostic procedure, not just the codes unfortunately.
 
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RadiumRob

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You need to go through the diagnostic procedure, not just the codes unfortunately.

Ok, thanks. It's booked into MB in a couple of weeks time, I was just hoping to get a handle on the likely costs.
 

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Ok, thanks. It's booked into MB in a couple of weeks time, I was just hoping to get a handle on the likely costs.
The handle on the costs are it will be at least twice as expensive at MB than an Indy . Your choice obviously but the forum will collectively take in a sharp intake of breath as to why you wouldn't visit either of the two indys ?
 
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RadiumRob

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That's what I feared, but the car is in a contract plan and I don't want any problems in six months time when the plan expires. Tbh, I'm not clear on what's permissible re non-MB work on PCP CARS.


Of course, spending a few £k to sort a lousy transmission on a relatively low mileage car doesn't endear me to MB so I won't be after a new one, nor will I be keen to hand over this one. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.
 

alexanderfoti

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That's what I feared, but the car is in a contract plan and I don't want any problems in six months time when the plan expires. Tbh, I'm not clear on what's permissible re non-MB work on PCP CARS.


Of course, spending a few £k to sort a lousy transmission on a relatively low mileage car doesn't endear me to MB so I won't be after a new one, nor will I be keen to hand over this one. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.

We use MB genuine parts, and keep the system up to date RE repair work, and keep warranty etc intact. Do read the fine print, but EU legilstation says that the owner cannot be forced to use the main dealer, and you cannot sign away your legal rights.
 
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Steve@Avantgarde

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That's what I feared, but the car is in a contract plan and I don't want any problems in six months time when the plan expires. Tbh, I'm not clear on what's permissible re non-MB work on PCP CARS.


Of course, spending a few £k to sort a lousy transmission on a relatively low mileage car doesn't endear me to MB so I won't be after a new one, nor will I be keen to hand over this one. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.

You are right to be careful. Lots of PCP and lease agreements state that the car must be main dealer serviced.

However in the case of a mechanical failure or wear and tear components such as brakes they make no such insistence. You would be safe to visit an Indy for this kind of problem.
 

Steve@Avantgarde

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Thanks.

Looks like you're right. Had the codes read, it showed P278300 - friction power of the torque converter is too high, also U012200- communication with control unit 'traction system' has a malfunction'.

Any idea what might cause these?

I have somehow missed this post. That is a fault code I have seen before and there is a TIPs document on it. Flush the ATF and update the software, if that doesnt cure the problem then you have to replace the TC.
 
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