auto gearbox problems in the cold

[wilf.winter]

My C220CDi seems to suffer the shakes each time the temperature approaches zero and below.
I live in a fairly hilly area which means that first thing in the morning I need to travel at relatively low speeds both up and down hills. Whenever the weather gets anywhere near zero the gear box causes all sorts of discomfort by continually changing up and then down which results in the car bucking and the revs going up and down at will. This it keeps doing for a couple of miles until the engine (or gearbox?) warms up. The effects are violent enough to make me worry about the state of the gearbox and drive train and its likely lifespan.
Has anyone else experienced this sort of problem and if so how did they overcome it.
Wilf:

 

[Pzd]

I have a simillar problem with the difference that the gears wont shift. Turn on the lights a see if the "D" light is always on. My problem was electrical. That doesn't meen that you have the same problem, but just in case...

PZD

 

[Stevie A]

Try driving in 1st or 2nd rather than D on the hills. And more importantly check transmission fluid is at correct level.

 

[philharve]

Hi All

A cold automatic gearbox will always perform less well than a warm one. You could try running with the car stationary for a few minutes before moving off. This will warm the transmission fluid making it flow easier.

I have a super smooth gearbox but the changes are more pronounced on a cold day. Never violent though. That could be important. Check gearbox oil levels if changes do not improve when engine warm.

REGARDS Phil

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I would be inclined to give the G/B an oil and filter change. I'm not in agreement with the latest MB policy on sealed for life auto trans units. The locality your living in certainly gives the G/B a harder life and therefore the oil can overheat and become less fluid.

Once the box has been serviced you will be in a better situation to judge its performance.

Hope this helps!

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Wilf, mine does a similar thing - I've been told by many people its more likely to be the MAF, which does make sense as when the gearbox is cold the gear changes couldn't possibly be that quick anyway.

I suggest you try disconnecting your MAF for a while, see if the problem goes away.

 

[golfsec5]

Auto Gear box jerky changes

I have a w124 1995 E300D. I have just replaced the Cruise control actuator and further to my previous post the cruise control is now working. Many thanks to all who responded.
Unfortunatley after putting everyhing back - mainly the inlet manifold, cross flow air inlet from air filter to inlet manifold, the gear changes especially at low speeds / revs is very pronounced. This is especially so changing from 2nd to 3rd. The is a distinct thund from the "rear of the car" - could be diff /prop engaging "suddenly". I find it difficult to explain it better. I have checked that I replaced all the electrical plugs I had to undo and also replaced the two vacuum lines attached to the inlet manifold.
Prior to changing the cruise actuator the gear changes were smooth as silk. Any ideas / suggestions woul be warmly received.
Many thanks Regards
Gary - Golfsec 5

 

[television]

I feel sure that the fault is vacuam related, do a check, there is another thread running right now on the same problem.

Pleased you solved the cruise control.

malcolm