Auto gearbox advice.

[RichHammond]

I have an ML270CDI 2003 with an autogearbox. When I set off from cold the first gear jerks into second. This jerk causes the car to decelerate slightly then the jerk results and then it changes into second gear. After the first gear change its fine from there on all further changes are smooth and normal has anyone any ideas please do you think this is a fault or normal on these vehicles?. Its under warranty would you advise I let this develop and see what happens or get it booked in? thankyou.

 

[Blobcat]

Do you have the W & S buttons? if so in W the box starts off in 2nd so it may be worth switching and seeing if the problem persists. When cold they do hold onto lower gears longer and can feel jerky when shifting up first thing.

 

[psmart]

Hi Rich,

Get the ATF fluid level checked. The box has no problems at -30'c to -40'c except when it is a little low on oil, when it refused to go out of park after being left a week until warmed up, and another occasion locked in 1st until it had been driven a few km's. The indie topped it up and it has been a dream since.

There not supposed to use ATF fluid, but my strip down at the weekend showed that the ATF dipstick at the back of the engine, left side against bulkhead had a slight leak, probably due to the gearbox pressure and age of seal, no other leaks visible, so this could indicate a reason why mine lost a tiny amount of oil.

One last thing, not sure of the facelift models, but MY2001 has the 722 autobox locked into S mode. I discovered this with my live diagnostics equipment.

 

[RichHammond]

Many thanks for you help/advice, blobcat not sure what you mean by w and s buttons, I dont have these on the dash if thats what you mean?. I will check oil levels. regards.

 

[RichHammond]

Forgot to mention on another note, the climate control to the rear passengers is always on Auto when I turn the ignition on. If I then switch the auto off and turn the ignition off and on again the Climate is on auto mode again, is this normal?

 

[Blobcat]

Many thanks for you help/advice, blobcat not sure what you mean by w and s buttons, I dont have these on the dash if thats what you mean?. I will check oil levels. regards.

Appologies, W & S are Winter and Summer. The rocker switch (if you have it) is by the gear lever. Looking at psmarts post, maybe the ML doesn't have this functionality.

 

[television]

The gearbox sounds around normal locking up when cold to warm up the CAT.

The climate allways comes on at default setting, unless the fan is at zero, and then it will stay off when you start.that's the way most MB's are.

malcolm