Merdcedes C180 Automatic Gearbox Problem

[Paul Rushton]

Hi

I have only just registered on behalf of my father inlaw.

He has a 2002 C180 with automatic gearbox. The car has only covered around 25k and is driving gently and never been thrashed.

When he is coming to halt the a loud thud comes from the gearbox as it slips into 1st gear. It can do it 5-6 times and then nothing for a week and then do it again.

He contacted MB who told him the gearbox was auto adjusting and not to worry but it is doing it more and more.

Any suggestions would be a great help.

Thanks

Paul

 

[BlackC55]

Either a speed sensor problem or valve body fault.

first pors of call is to check the ATF level. You need a special dipstick from MB for that.

 

[Paul Rushton]

ATF level? Is that the oil in the gearbox. I assume that he could ask MB to check it for him? What is the cost of the dipstick and how could I do it myself?

Sorry for the questions!

 

[television]

ATF level? Is that the oil in the gearbox. I assume that he could ask MB to check it for him? What is the cost of the dipstick and how could I do it myself?

Sorry for the questions!

All of the info on how to make a dip stick is in the DIY section, also how to test the level

 

[darrindwp]

I may have some bad news for you Paul. See my problem.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=31680

Thats how it started. As you come to a stop it kicks hard into first gear. If its the same problem I have, you will eventually start finding the vehicle jerking at low rpm in any gear.

Do a little test. Drive the vehicle in Winter mode (W) and see if it still kicks when you stop. If it does, I would get your car down to your local MB dealer and get them to do a Glycol test on the ATF ASAP. If its positive, prepare yourself for a huge bill and a long battle if you intend getting MB to cover the cost of THEIR failure.

Good luck ...

 

[television]

I may have some bad news for you Paul. See my problem.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=31680

Thats how it started. As you come to a stop it kicks hard into first gear. If its the same problem I have, you will eventually start finding the vehicle jerking at low rpm in any gear.

Do a little test. Drive the vehicle in Winter mode (W) and see if it still kicks when you stop. If it does, I would get your car down to your local MB dealer and get them to do a Glycol test on the ATF ASAP. If its positive, prepare yourself for a huge bill and a long battle if you intend getting MB to cover the cost of THEIR failure.

Good luck ...

This problem affect the 203 up to the 30-09-03

 

[darrindwp]

This problem affect the 203 up to the 30-09-03

Wow! And MB Headoffice STILL won't do the right thing and pay for each and every failure of this type that is a documented design fault. Sad, really sad.

I actually got a a call from my local dealer yesterday (not the one I sent the C180 to) and they wanted to know if I was in a position to move forward with my interest in an SLK model I had expressed 2 months ago. When I told them I would never by another Merc again they asked why. I said you phone head office and quote my name ... nuff said

 

[Paul Rushton]

Well got my fingers crossed for my father in law. He's got a friend who works at MB who he will phone tommorrow and get him to check the fluid and change it to see if that makes any difference.