cold transmission question. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 01-20-2003, 09:56 PM

hi guys; i realise that these oilburners do NOT make a lot (hahaha) of power until they warm up. 1st: i change transmission fluid and filter every 20,000 miles or so and use dino dextron 3............the brand varies, i believe that the last time was wolfs head. Anyway, recently while up in Vermont, (temps in the mid 20's) i was parked on a dirt incline. to pull forward, i needed to climb a 30 t0 40 degree rise prior to heading down from the cabin. Well...NO power. (reverse was EXCELLENT

the car did NOT want to move forward until the motor was warmed up somewhat......while sitting there warming the engine, i assume that the transmission was also warming via the transmission cooler/ radiator. question being, have any of y'all encountered similar difficulties? please note that the vehicle runs and drives VERY well and shifts smoothly at all times. i assume that a SYNTHETIC atf would help aleviate this. thanx much, spo.

rwthomas1 · #2 01-21-2003, 11:29 AM

Hey Russell,
I have noticed the same thing with my 300D. I have a steep hill near my house that she will barely climb when cold. Warm, no problem! I have Mobil1 atf in her so I don't think its that. Its almost like there is a thermoswitch that restricts fueling until up to operating temp..... Same as you mine is fine otherwise. Strange no?? RT

#3 01-22-2003, 08:49 AM

thanx for the reply, yes, at first the question in my mind was concerning the transmission...........now, however, i seem to think that the diesel engine has NO BALLS when COLD=NO POWER!....good luck with this "heat wave". perhaps we will get together again at the next gtg...spo out.

Holson Adi · #4 01-22-2003, 10:31 AM

There aren't too many hills in the city. However I must agree that my car feels really slow when the engine is cold and the engine doesn't 'sing' as "well" as it does when it's warm either.

I use Mobil 1's Synthetic ATF in it.

The engine is still fairly strong too. Starts up great and runs amazing once it's warm. Then again my commute consists of really short run. When I went to Hammonasett the car was just awesome. A LOT

of power when I needed it and transmission was amazingly smooth, etc.

rwthomas1 · #5 01-22-2003, 12:22 PM

I think its an MB thing. My other diesels don't do this at all.... Must be some sort of circuit to keep you hammering on 'em until they are warm? RT