C280 transmission elect control module
 

Dealer installed new transmisssion 4/01 after 52,000 miles. Being four months past warranty period they agreed to charge me only for installation which was $1000 instead of the $3800 the job costs. The new trans has always held first gear until about 30mph when cold before shifting. Also, when rolling to a stop and then accelerating, the downshift is sometimes harsh (clunks down)--not all the time though. The dealer checked it out today and says the problem is the electronic control module--a $789 job. They feel no obligation to fix it and state they checked the output data when they installed the new trans and it was all OK then. They also say that because I only paid for the installation of a new trans ($1000) MB does not issue a guaranty. If I had paid the $3800 the service writer says I would have gotten a two year warranty.

Any info on the electronic control module, where it is and how difficult to install?

Does the "no warranty" situation sound correct?

Sincrely appreciate help/advice.

What year is your car?

MB's policy on "GOODWILL" is simply that! THIS doesn't extend or create any new warranty. ONLY way to get any warranty is to pay money$$$$$.
HOWEVER on any goodwill that had another premature failure(less than one year) MB has stepped up to the pump again WITH Goodwill again. At least at our dealer they have.
If a car has 49,998 & a part fails & you have waranty work done to fix the problem, ALL of the car still goes out of warranty at 50,000 miles including the warranty repairs!! READ LEGAL!!

As far as installing the trans computer goes: it is simple, however the trans must be "adapted" to this new ECU.

What year is your car? [/B][/QUOTE]



MB Doc, did you see post following yours. I'm confused....do you feel I have a case to pursue the control module? Car is 1997 C280.

Replacing the transmission has little or nothing to DO with the Trans control unit!! The control unit is a small computer that controls the trans. IF the replacement transmission was working fine & now the car is out of warranty the only way that you could get any FREE work done IS "Goodwill".

Both the old trans & new trans is susposed to hold in gear when cold!! MB has done this since 1990 on all gas cars.

DOC has, once again told me something new. I did not know about the warranty issue with good will. Thanks Doc.

Also, I agree fully with Doc on the shift when cold. I have had people complain about this, but there is nothing I can do!!