2003 ML270 Gear slips when changing up 3rd to 4th

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Axcontrols

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i have seen this problem many times on the autobox, always on the ml it seems, flaring from 3rd to 4th

Flaring - yes, that's how I've heard it described.

I've driven mercedes for around 30 years - the only other one I've seen this in was 380 SL (1981 model if I remember rightly)

On the side of the box was a screw (can't remember if it was a nut or an alan key) but giving that half a turn increased the pressure and fixed the problem.

Obviously turning it up too high makes the gear changes very snappy/jerky - turning it too low makes the changes slow, soft and 'flarey'. Just a case of getting it just right.

You're probably not supposed to fiddle with that nut but - hey-ho - worked for me back then without any problems for the 10 years I kept that old car.

These new fangle boxes don't have that. I guess it's all in the programming.

Or does anyone know different ?
 

kebo57

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Or does anyone know different ?
Sounds like you've still got the problem, why not take your motor round to your local auto box specialist, that could be one solution but you could reply to any thread with this solution everyone seems to run for cover when its an auto box problem. Like I said earlier you need to speak to someone that knows about auto boxes youv'e got his number

Kevin
 

panason1c

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i have seen this problem many times on the autobox, always on the ml it seems, flaring from 3rd to 4th

The valve body would be a good place to start.

Although local autobox specialists to ourselves overhauled the transmission for this fault,,,,,

I personally would try a valve body first


I had exactly the same problem on my 2002 ML, changing the oil and filter made no difference. I was also suspecting the valve block to be the cause of the flare between 3rd/4th but a complete transmission was unexpectedly offered to me from a new insurance written off ML so i never got chance to find out for sure if the valve vlock was the culprit.
 

Cosworth

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have you checked the colour of the oil as this will tell you a bit about you gearbox.

Dark means that there is a possibility of clutch wear.
 
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Axcontrols

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I had exactly the same problem on my 2002 ML, changing the oil and filter made no difference. I was also suspecting the valve block to be the cause of the flare between 3rd/4th but a complete transmission was unexpectedly offered to me from a new insurance written off ML so i never got chance to find out for sure if the valve vlock was the culprit.

I know the local MercBreaker quite well so I'm sure I can get a cheap box but it's kind of "principle" having just bought the car that I shouldn't need to.

Last week I took the car back to the Ford Main Dealer where I bought it and he said he'd sent it to the merc dealer who'd "Reprogrammed" the gearbox. But I reckon the problem is still there.

I now find that I'm changing my driving style a bit to avoid the flaring. I'll keep my foot down a little longer so that it changes up at a higher speed or I sense when it's about to change and lift off the gas slightly so that it doesn't slip when engaging 4th. But it often catches me out and it annoys me no end.

By the way, it's only when the box has really warmed up. When it's cold it doesn't do it.

I'd like to have a gearbox specialist look at it just to confirm I'm not barking. But I couldn't actually go back to the dealer and tell him that xyz looked at it because the dealer could then say that that voided any warranty I still have on everything else.

years ago when you had a problem you could pop round the back and have a chat with the merc mechanic and take the car for a spin. Nowadays they're all sealed away and you can't get any further than the dolly bird at the desk who gives you a nice coffee while yur car is whisked away and some spotty kid plugs your car in and the dolly bird says "Computer Says No...."
 

lphot

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ml270 gearbox flaring

Mine also does this and has done so for 100k it also jams in gear often any gear. Merc dealer can't find fault???? Indie says rebuild will fix $5000AU. Changed oil, filter no change. Gets impossible to drive when it gets really hot, eg when towing or air temp is around 40˚c
 
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Axcontrols

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On my car the fault only happened when hot when the change 3>4 occurs at around 35 to 40mph up to around 2000-2300rpm so driving quite gently. When driving a little quicker (change ocuring over 2800rpm) then it didn't happen.

The MB dealer also couldn't find a fault - nothing showing in the computer and nothing found during their test drive. - they reprogrammed the gearbox and gave me the car back but the fault was still there - I booked it back in and insisted that I go along on the test drive - once I showed them the fault they all agreed that there was indeed a fault. (During their first test drive they kept the car overnight and probably did their test drive when it was cold and then thrashed it up and down the road which is why they didn't see it)

Anyway, once I demonstrated the problem they replaced the Valve Chest - changed oil and filter - problem gone :)

Cost was 1100+ quid but didn't matter because I didn't need to foot the bill. :)
 
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MB TECH WARRINGTON

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On my car the fault only happened when hot when the change 3>4 occurs at around 35 to 40mph up to around 2000-2300rpm so driving quite gently. When driving a little quicker (change ocuring over 2800rpm) then it didn't happen.

The MB dealer also couldn't find a fault - nothing showing in the computer and nothing found during their test drive. - they reprogrammed the gearbox and gave me the car back but the fault was still there - I booked it back in and insisted that I go along on the test drive - once I showed them the fault they all agreed that there was indeed a fault. (During their first test drive they kept the car overnight and probably did their test drive when it was cold and then thrashed it up and down the road which is why they didn't see it)

Anyway, once I demonstrated the problem they replaced the Valve Chest - changed oil and filter - problem gone :)

Cost was 1100+ quid but didn't matter because I didn't need to foot the bill. :)


Just as I advised then, donations in the post are greatly appreciated;)

Glad you got it sorted..,
 

tony jr

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How much would an indi charge to replace the valve chest?
 

tony jr

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Kevin

Was that to change the computer which is bolted to the valve body rather than the valve chest itself?
 

kebo57

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Kevin

Was that to change the computer which is bolted to the valve body rather than the valve chest itself?
That was to change the whole unit not sure there is a computer bolted to the valve body

Kevin
 

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