No forward drive (Auto)

[tom7035]

Help please!
Gearbox behaving perfectly until today, after briefly stopping in traffic, moved off with quite a heavy 'thump'. Finished journey after another couple of miles without problem, but mulling over in my mind what had caused the 'thump' earlier. Parked for two hours then along to the post office, 2 miles, no problem. Had to reverse a little to get out of parking space, and it then refused to drive forward! Tried all gear slections but no joy although reverse seemed unaffected. Selector connections seem OK, ATF clean and pink and up to the level. Another symptom I now find which I feel must have some connection, is the engine will not now rev above 4000, when it starts 'hunting'. Had to be trailered away of course.
Please somebody tell me this is a simple fix like disconnecting the battery for ten minutes or so!! (Forward clutch band is rattling around my head but I was always the pessimist!)
Many thanks, in hope.

 

[jberks]

Hi,
Not sure about the gbox, but merc engines are limited to 4,000 revs if not in gear, So, the engine management knows its still in neutral, which may be a good sign. The hunting is the rev limiter.

 

[tom7035]

Thanks for the info re. the engine limiter jberks. Wasn't aware of that! Fingers (and everything else) crossed concerning the 'box now. Cheers.

 

[tom7035]

Update on above. Concensus of opinion is one of the two forward clutch brakebands has packed in. The only firm quote I could be given at this point was for removal/refitting the gearbox, including ATF, £279 + VAT. (The rest would obviously depend on further investigation of the gearbox itself, and this will of course be the 'heavy' end of the bill).
Barring any other damage, can anyone tell me whether replacement of the brakebands a straightforward repair for a specialist?
Cheers.

 

[peter500sec]

no forward

hi Tom dont want to put a downer on this, but i had similar problem on my 500sec, but with the reverse gear - im told by everyone i have spoken too that the friction material used on merc auto clutches is prone to peeling off...........causing the prob you state...... the best cost i have found so far, for box removal and strip down is £1000....plus the usual extras ......if you can get it fixed for £250 i would suggest you book it in now!!!!..then let me know the name of the garage please!
Good luck - hope its cheaper to fix than mine!

 

[tom7035]

Hi Peter, that price was for simply removing and refitting the unit unfortunately! The actual gearbox repair would come on top of that and as I said, that would be the heavy part of the bill!
Latest is I have acquired a reclaimed unit from 'Mercland' for £200 plus the usual VAT. (Ordered yesterday, delivered today incidentally, first class!) Being fitted next week by a local indy garage.
Fingers crossed the unit is up to scratch. Report will follow.

 

[peter500sec]

Hi Tom - - Thats still sounds like a deal! Did the £200 include delivery? Please let me know the outcome? Mine is still sitting looking folorn and unwanted at the moment!! .....But i will try mercland and see if they have an exchange unit! Good luck
Regards
Peter

 

[tom7035]

There was a £40 delivery charge Peter, but it came expertly cleaned, wrapped and palleted (and with torque converter too). The total cost inc. del. and VAT was £282.
Will certainly let you know final result, hopefully late next week.
Cheers and likewise, Tom.

 

[davidsl500]

Tom,

are you back up and running now, and if so what was the final wallet denting bill total?

 

[tom7035]

Hi David.
Phoned to say he just got started to it today (Wednesday) so hopefully in a day or so I'll be able to update. I was getting a wee bit concerned, but in fairness it was dumped on him unexpectedly and he is a busy guy so not complaining (yet!).

 

[pascal]

Fingers crossed for you Tom.

Keep us posted.

Pascal

 

[tom7035]

Sorted!

To those interested, picked the car up this afternoon, all 'singin' an' dancin!'
Labour cost a nice round £300, including the refill of ATF and VAT. Total cost with 'recycled' gearbox, (£200 from 'MercLand' + £40 delivery next day!) and all VAT = £582. Quite a difference from £1700-odd! I also have the option of having the original 'box repaired to resell, haven't made up my mind yet.
Certainly no complaints about cost tho' obviously I'd rather it hadn't happened in the first place!
Have to start saving all over again for the dreaded MOT next, due October.
Cheers all and thanks for your good wishes by the way! Tom.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

have the old box reapired and keep it in case new one goes duff....maybes offer it on ebay and only sell it if it reaches a decent price?

oh i dont know....

nice to know you can gets things fixed a bit cheaper tho..top stuff.