Auto Gearbox Problem stuck in 2nd gear!

[Manofkent]

Last weekend I had a problem with my auto gearbox on my 53(04) C 270 Est
It got stuck in about 2nd gear (after driving about 20 miles) & would not change up! (It may have been first gear?)
Also noted
a)Could not use 1,2,3,4 when it was causing trouble (or cruise)
b)After a cold start seemed to work ok – although I use it for short distances, now I’m afraid to use it for longer journeys!
c)When put in 4th at cold start, it did not happen again? (Only short distance driven)
d)Little engine sign on instrument cluster
e)I forgot the message that came up but I think it was about getting it to the dealer?
Perhaps it could be a simple prob maybe oil top up, or perhaps an arm & a leg job? Thought info before taking it in may be useful?
Thanks in advance for comments.
J

 

[jibcl500]

get it on some diagnostics, could be as simple as air flow meter, you could unplug it and see if the car drives better.
jib

 

[janza]

I had the same problem in my c-180 I used to have,I can't remember what was the problem exactly but mercedes only charged me £45 to fix it so it wasn't too serious!I hope you'll be as lucky with yours.

 

[Xtractorfan]

There is a problem with oil contamination of the gearbox ecu, caused by faullty seals on the gearbox wiring loom, as said have the fault codes read, intermittent faults like yours are normally minor and easy to sort..

 

[Manofkent]

Thanks for nyour replies. Great to hear it may not be a major fault.
I am still using it for short journeys. It works great from a cold start and it takes about 20 miles before it locks in a low gear! The warning light shows from start. (little engine or gearbox sign)Then there seems no way to get out of it! Cruise will not work when the fault happens but works normally when starting a journey. Perhaps the gearbox could be low of oil?
Will take it in next week. She has only done 55k miles.
J
C270 estate

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Watch in case its got the Valeo rad which can contaminate the transmission.