E300 having shifting problems
 

The check engine light came on about 100 miles ago on my way to Santa Barbara from LA. The light went off then came back on while I was accelerating up a steep hill on 101S near Camarillo.

At this point, I look at the Temp which is fine right at 80C, my speed is 60 mph but I'm feeling a lack of kick on the pedal - like a loss of power.

It seems to have the same kick/power off the line but it felt jerky switching at low gears...and the check engine light is on. Anyway I just read a previous thread on E300 shifting problems.

Car has 131K and a trans oil change at 110. Anyway I'm planning on giving Enrique (never been to his shop but heard/read about it here) a call in the AM to see if he can take a look at it.

Hope everyone is having a fine fine holiday season!

Hi Willy.......the first thing you need to have done is a Code Scan. As soon as that CEL came on the first time, codes identifying the problem system or electronic component would have been stored for diagnostics.

Also, you said you were accelerating up a steep grade. The 98 E300 has a ASR traction system. If it detects any slip in the rear tires it will limit the RPM until traction is regained. Basically it will put the car in limp mode and no matter how far you depress the pedal the ASR overrides the imput until the tires have a grip. Also make sure you have the rocker mode switch on the console set to "S" and not "W". "W" is for Winter driving and skips you into 2nd gear so the tires don't spin on a slippery surface when starting off. Being set in "W" on a dry road would give you a feel of being sluggish.

But do Scan for the codes to see what is going on!

2nd Fred on getting the codes. It's probably not a "shifting" problem. A code will reduce boost and/or available fuel making the car feel sluggish. It will also cause it to "hang" in gear if the accelerator is held to the floor.

the codes read control unit, turbo flap. Indeed, the turbo has been making a noise during the last 3000 miles. I took it to my local independent and he said he didn't see anything wrong.

anyway, he cleared the check engine light and everything seems fine - except that the turbo still makes a noise during acceleration - kind of like a scraping. The acceleration is back to normal...so he said drive it til the check engine light comes back on and maybe it won't come back on.