320 cdi, auto box won't change

[stonty]

I have a 2001 S320 cdi auto & this has happened a couple of times recently, when I start from cold the auto box won't change, nor can I use the tiptronic, if I pull over & restart all is fine.

What do you guys reckon, just a glitch ignore or maybe something needs resetting?

Sorry if this a boring known fault, I've tried using the search facility & couldn't find anything.

Thanks fellas

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

First thing to check is that the battery isn't undervoltage and if its the original change it for a good quality new one. Undervoltage on start-up can lead to ancilliaries being shut down by the ECU.

If this doesn't sort it it may be MAF related.

 

[teddycatkin]

I agree with Malcolm -had same problem -new battery sorted it?

 

[Xtractorfan]

These boxes will also hold onto lower gears for a lot longer from cold and will give the impression that the box isnt operating properly..

 

[stonty]

Thanks guys, at the risk of appearing a half-wit, if the battery is original should I go ahead & replace it anyway or can it be checked out by Kwik-Fit or similar.

Also just to compound my half-wittedness, what is MAF ?

Once again many thanks

 

[stonty]

These boxes will also hold onto lower gears for a lot longer from cold and will give the impression that the box isnt operating properly..

I appreciate your comment, but the fault is cured instant upon restart (engine not any warmer) and during the "non changing" period the manual gear selection & S - W switch doesn't work

Thanks

 

[Xtractorfan]

Yes ..I have the S320CDI and I have exactly the same problem, I drive down a hill when cold , the car wont change up thru the gears and I know it is only in 2nd gear, actually I was so used to it I basically forgot about it until my son reminded me about it.. I have a perectly good battery, a new MAF = Air mass Sensor or air flow meter...and the car is running pefectly.. Now if I drive uphill from home..I live half way up a hill.. and generally use much more welly the car will change up thru the gears perfectly..possibly holding second slightly longer than if the car were fully warmed up..

You could also have a fault code stored in the gearbox ecu, which will come into play even tho the fault is no longer there, as the previous posts, a low battery or duff MAF can cause your problems ..The MAF will generally cause the engine to go into limp mode..

 

[teddycatkin]

Stonty --as Extractor says the fault is now stored and will show on a diagnostic read out--you need to get it plugged in and checked -- dont just go to H-llfords or k-fix !!
This is where it pays to get to know your local dealer- grovel to the service manager suggest they do a quick plug in and read out check free --and you will then offer to buy the part from them.--I.E.- A new battery will be in an area £80/£100 + vat-- OK its £20 cheaper from the others but you have peace of mind you have the read out and your car is properley checked out by someone who knows what they are doing and has the back up of the right tools to check it out properly.

 

[stonty]

Stonty --as Extractor says the fault is now stored and will show on a diagnostic read out--you need to get it plugged in and checked -- dont just go to H-llfords or k-fix !!
This is where it pays to get to know your local dealer- grovel to the service manager suggest they do a quick plug in and read out check free --and you will then offer to buy the part from them.--I.E.- A new battery will be in an area £80/£100 + vat-- OK its £20 cheaper from the others but you have peace of mind you have the read out and your car is properley checked out by someone who knows what they are doing and has the back up of the right tools to check it out properly.

Thank you, I'll do exactly as you suggest.

Great help guys, many thanks

 

[BlackC55]

It will probably be a speed sensor in the gearbox.

nees to go on a star

 

[Xtractorfan]

And there again these gearboxes were prone to leaking oil thru the loom into the gearbox ecu, causing all sorts of mayhem, The ecu is on the passenger side inner wing just in front of the bonnet hinge, slide clips ..from memory.. and lift off the lid, the gearbox ecu is the black cassette nearest the engine, lift it out and check that the connections are dry and oil free..

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I agree with both Malcom and Xtractorfan. definteiyl check what xtractor fan recommended, I got mine picked up in time on this one. As for the battery, if its slightly suspect I would replace, this is a well known side effect and its not expensive. My original lasted about 6 years or more.

 

[teabag]

I've just read your post, although It's a week later, try reading through this, it may save you some money http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=47702

 

[teabag]

I've just read your post, although It's a week later, try reading through this, it may save you some money http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=47702

I forgot to mention that the engine and gearbox in your S class is exactly the same as the unit fitted to the E class and it is of the same vintage

Peter

 

[Callrova 4x4]

C 230 gearbox

Hi Chaps,

Wonderful forum, i'm a land rover diagnostic specialist & i purchased a C230 for my father-in-law last year on a 96/97.

No problems until this weekend when he drove off & found that the gears aren't changing up the box. Seems to be stuck in 1st or second.

Now, i know nothing about the characters of MB so i thought i'd come to the place where the right people would know.

When selecting drive, reverse or park it goes straight in with a thump.

My first thought is the gearbox sensor/ecu, & after reading some posts on this site, i've found out the sensor is located on the n/s wing.

Can this part be swapped like for like or will the car still need to go on to the diagnostics?

Any help, tips would be greatly apprieciated before i get his vehicle into my workshop.

Thanks guy's.

 

[rpe2]

Need to be clear which gearbox you have.

If it is the 722.6 box, likely to be the speed sensor, which is located inside the box. Only plugging into a diagnostic machine will tell.

 

[television]

Yes as Richard above,,could be the 722.4 or 6 box

 

[Callrova 4x4]

Thanks for the fast response guy's.

By your answers does that mean the box has to be removed to get to this sensor or can it be located insitu?

I've got f/s/h with this car but no manuals. It's only because it's family that i'm taking the job on.

Any tips on establishing what box it has other than getting it plugged in, & are these sensors read only or can they be reset?

Now, as this car is ageing, there will probably be future problems in the pipeline so i'm toying with the idea of purchasing some diagnostics that would give me full coverage. Any recomendations? I'm lead to believe that the MB star is the route to take as it can cover from 1994 to 2009. Is there anything cheaper on the market that also has the full coverage?

 

[television]

We need the type of the box so that the correct or hopefully correct answer can be given

Feed the 17 figure VIN number into here and it will tell you what box it has

http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

 

[Alex Crow]

as others have said that`s classic for battery fault. basically the EGS module sees low voltage to the gbox solenoids and goes all emergency program on you. check the date stamp on the batt terminal and if it is original change it - it has had a good life already..................

AMENDED ! just read page two, advise was for original poster!