1997 W202 C250 TD, a couple of questions for you guys..

[PC250TD]

Hello All, I've been reading these forums for a year now and have gotten some fantastic advice on maintenance of my Merc. Thanks to you all for your contributions.

I guess my time has come to start getting problems with my 1997 (feb) C250 TD (97,000 miles).

Only small issues at the moment, but a stitch in time and all that..

1.
The auto gearbox which I believe to be a 722.697, is starting to stick in gear. ie. When I come to a stop at lights, then try to drive away, it stays stuck in gear.. it does not seem to shift down, to remedy, I move selector to 1 then back to 4. There is a bit of a lurch then it's fine.

This morning whilst slowing down, the car seemed to get stuck in Neutral, (it was in D) as when I accelerated, the engine just revved and no power was being transferred to the drive. I stopped, did my usual back to 1 then to 4 trick and it eventually clicked in.
It now happens every day, even when the engine/tranny is warm (80c)

Ive spent the day reading posts on the forum and most associated with the C250TD or 722.6 seem to indicate an ATF change. I have a dipstick and checked the levels and they seem fine. there also seems to be no leaks from the tranny.

Any recommendations? Should I go change the ATF (i'll do it myself with the expert advice given here). I've read that a kick-down switch could be broken, can't seem to see one of those in my car.

2. The wiper suddenly changed from it's resting place on the right side of the windscreen to now rest on the left side. Works ok though.. just wondering if anyone else experienced this?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

Cheers, Paul.

 

[tjamesbo]

best to get it checked by an Independant or a specialist auto transmission rebuilder who is experienced with merc boxes.
If its never had a fluid change then its due, every 36k is a good yardstick as used on the 124's . Some problems can be caused by electrical plug connections and if so can be a simple fix.
A good specialist will probably give you a free diagnosis But remember reccomendation and reputation or you could be fleeced.
spend a few hours trawling the forum using search function there are also several other merc forums.

 

[Dec]

Re the wiper, there are 2 possible reasons why the blade is parking on the wrong side;
A nut has become loose on the rear of the mechanism or the nylon gear teeth inside the motor have been striped.
Did this happen suddenly or did the blade sometimes park in the center of thee screen?

Read all 3 pages of this thread here… http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=35032
See also… http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=26201

Dec

 

[PC250TD]

Thanks guys, I'll get a fluid change as soon as I can.
Funnily enough, I tried the Autobox Reset procedure as outlined by Alfiebeard in this post http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=47812&highlight=gearbox+reset

The box has not stuck since and it now changes gear at much lower RPM's. It's a little rough when cold: jerky when changing up or down, so I'll deffo get an ATF change.

regarding the wiper, it happened suddenly one day a couple of weeks back, was driving along with the wiper on intermittent, it stopped for a couple of seconds mid way then settled down on the opposite side of the screen. I wonder if there's a switch or something that sets the wiper rest for a right hand drive versus a left hand drive? Anyway, I'll take it apart and check these items.

Thanks TJAMESBO & DEC.!

 

[Dec]

No, there is no switch to set the wiper rest position (park position) park position adjustments are done at the rear of the mechanism by alignment markings and adjustment, usually of nut 1 and some times nut 2 as illustrated in pictures in previous link.

Check the motor gear box first, if you find evidence of striped gears inside, go no further as this will be the cause of the fault and the only cure is a replacement motor, about £70 or £80.

If the motor gear box is o.k. then the only other possible explanation is that a nut has slipped or come loose to the rear of the mechanism.

Be sure to read post # 17 here regarding the wiper motor gearbox.

Dec