What transmission problems will an atf change cure?

[jimfixx]

Hello,

I have a 2007 cls 320cdi with the 7g-tronic box. The car has done 35k and is due to have it's oil change in about 7.5k miles at the next service. Over the last few months I've noticed the gear changes have become a bit slower/reluctant and I seem to be getting an increased number of harsh down changes as well as the occassional upward change that allows the revs to climb a bit between gears going upwards (a bit like a learner that doesn't get the accelerator off quick enough). I'm lead to believe that a gearbox oil change will probably cure this as the problems are mild and occassional. The issue I have is that I don't trust the local dealer and I'm wondering whether to pay an independent specialist (good local reputation) to do it. The only problem is the car is under an extended warranty, which ties me into going to official workshops for the next 18 months. So my question is does anyone have similar experience of this problem and is the fluid change likely to fix it? I'm hoping the answer is yes because I would rather use the indenpendent.

Thanks,

Jimfixx

 

[television]

Where are you in the UK please. The fluid change may help but this could be more an adaption issue, and trouble is there are very few people that can do it well

 

[whitenemesis]

Adaption is exactly that, how the 'box adapts to driving style. This is (should) be reset when the ATF is changed and will relearn within 30mls driving.

More a software issue. Perhaps needs to be updated to the latest version.

 

[television]

Adaption is exactly that, how the 'box adapts to driving style. This is (should) be reset when the ATF is changed and will relearn within 30mls driving.

More a software issue. Perhaps needs to be updated to the latest version.

I do not think that is correct as the boxes are not adapted after a fluid change normally, only when a customer complains of harsh changes and as in my post above there are very few who can do this well, if at all, we have so many threads where people have had it done 7 to 10 times and still not right.

This has nothing to do with any adaption as regarding the driving style

 

[jimfixx]

I live near Hull. I've had dealings with firm called autoelite in the past, they've got a good reputation locally. I'm tempted to get them to do the change and then just ask a dealer for a software update if I still have problems (assuming indies can't get the update??)

 

[television]

I live near Hull. I've had dealings with firm called autoelite in the past, they've got a good reputation locally. I'm tempted to get them to do the change and then just ask a dealer for a software update if I still have problems (assuming indies can't get the update??)

There is no problems with anyone getting updates, this involves setting the lock up clutches and only done on STAR. the simple fact is that not many MB dealers can do it

 

[whitenemesis]

I do not think that is correct as the boxes are not adapted after a fluid change normally, only when a customer complains of harsh changes and as in my post above there are very few who can do this well, if at all, we have so many threads where people have had it done 7 to 10 times and still not right.

This has nothing to do with any adaption as regarding the driving style

When Olly changed my ATF he simply used STAR to reset the adaption, i.e. how the 'box had adjusted itself to my driving style to the factory default. It is shown in WIS as a requirement after ATF changes. a simple key press erases and resets.

This is not the same as updating the controlling software (by flashing the controller), which has been revised a number of times to try and iron out various problems with the 7G

 

[jimfixx]

television,

do you think this is likely to be a software/fluid issue rather than a serious mechanical problem. If it's not a mechanical problem, I'm tempted just to get the independent to deal with it because I really don't trust the local dealer. I'm basically trying to work out whether to risk invalidating the warranty by getting someone I trust to work on my car.

 

[television]

When Olly changed my ATF he simply used STAR to reset the adaption, i.e. how the 'box had adjusted itself to my driving style to the factory default. It is shown in WIS as a requirement after ATF changes. a simple key press erases and resets.

This is not the same as updating the controlling software (by flashing the controller), which has been revised a number of times to try and iron out various problems with the 7G

The way that you drive the car does not come into this, and not part of this at all

 

[jimfixx]

There is no problems with anyone getting updates, this involves setting the lock up clutches and only done on STAR. the simple fact is that not many MB dealers can do it

The independent I would use has STAR machines. It's beginning to look like going to them will be my best bet.

 

[whitenemesis]

The way that you drive the car does not come into this, and not part of this at all

I know but that is what 'adaption' means. I think you are confusing the terminology but I'm sure everyone knows what you mean

 

[television]

The independent I would use has STAR machines. It's beginning to look like going to them will be my best bet.

Yes this could be your best bet for where you live, at least he understands them, with luck though the fluid change could solve it all, best done around every 40k miles

 

[jimfixx]

On a slightly different note, it really irritates me that approved used warranties place restrictions on where you can get the car serviced etc. I know that there was a legal change that affacts all warranties on new cars tha allow you to go outside the dealer network, but it seems crap that that restriction is back in place once you're into approved used territory. Combine this with the fact that large dealer groups have a virtual monopoly and your pretty much at the mercy of the dealer unless you want a long trip everytime there's a problem.

 

[television]

I know but that is what 'adaption' means. I think you are confusing the terminology but I'm sure everyone knows what you mean

I am not confused at all thank you.

I think that Ollie was have you on

 

[jimfixx]

Yes this could be your best bet for where you live, at least he understands them, with luck though the fluid change could solve it all, best done around every 40k miles

Thanks for the advice. If it turns out that I need to go to a dealer, can you think of the nearest one that's any good? I don't have any faith in the mercedes satisfaction ratings

 

[television]

I am so sorry to say that I know of no one on the East coast at all, they other side has many, but that is where most of the complaints come from.

See how it goes with the fluid and filter change