Too much conflicting advice...220CDI

[amwhaley]

I drive a E220CDI Elegance, "51" reg. While accelerating onto M4 my auto transmission skipped 4th gear and now I no longer seem to be able to access 4th gear other than using the triptronic. Also, ABS lights keep coming on periodically but go off and stay off for weeks at a time if I turn off/turn on ignition. Dealer says new transmission. A Merc workshop says they need to look at the "bands" in the gearbox or might be the ECU needs remapping. This is all too much for an old girl like me. Any advice?

Ann Marie

 

[Bolide]

Logically, if you can select 4th, and stay in that gear, there can't be a fault with the gearbox & brake bands. It suggests the problem lies outside of the gearbox

It also suggests you have yet to find the appropriate people to diagnose & fix this complaint

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[amwhaley]

Can you suggest somewhere to look or go? AM

 

[Bolide]

There are lots of places in London. The only one I know, and can recommend, is Automerc in Hornsey. If you speak to Ivan there I am sure he will be helpful

Automerc 020 8340 2966

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[amb67]

Does the gearbox select 4th when the ABS lamps are off?

What happens when the vehicle builds up enough speed to change to 4th in auto mode?

When you use tiptronic and change up to 4th does the car lurch slightly?

Sorry for all the questions but this sounds initially to be adjustment of the gear selector module. I would get a descent Mercedes-Benz retailer to look at your pride and joy, MB Croydon have some good techs and have heard that Automercs workshop is staffed with quite knowledgeable techies.

 

[amwhaley]

It is not selecting 4th gear at any time.
Builds up to speed to shift and then goes straight to drive which means I lose pick up power until it shift it from D to 4 manually and then the 4th gear kicks in.

Many thanks for your reply. Ann Marie

 

[amb67]

I think this would possibly be down to one or two faults.

Either the powertrain control module has developed a software or hardware defect. Possibly damaged by water ingress!!!

Or, the gearbox electro-hydraulic plate that carries all the valves and solenoids for gear control has failed.

Either way a relative simple repair for a Mercedes-Benz retailer. They will use a Star tester to read the fault codes and determine what needs doing.

One last question, have you got any red oil stains on your driveway? It could be a case of low gearbox oil.