MY99 E300 funky shifting... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jnc19610 · #1 03-03-2007, 07:29 PM

My 99 E300 did something weird today.... I took a short trip. (really short, like 1/2 a mile, didn't feel like walking) When I restarted, it wouldn'd shift out of first, I let off the gas, trying to 'force' a shift, and it just slowed down, so I feathered the throttle, eased it up to like 3000 rpms in 1st, and it slammed into 2 then 3 right away.

I have a feeling that gremlins are taking over. Last week, the alarm went off, for no reason in the garage. The car wasn't even locked.

Anyways.... I took another short trip tonight, and everything shifted fine.

Thoughts? Ideas?

TMAllison · #2 03-03-2007, 11:18 PM

Take a look at post #3 to reset the adaptation values for the trans. I've done it on mine and it does make it shift different, makes the trans relearn and adjust to the way you drive.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=164094

Regarding the alarm: The battery in the key is only used to activate the door locks, but, they are part of the alarm system. Is possible the battery is weak and not fully activating the or is tripping the locks?

Is simple to replace and cheap. I'd start there.

The rest of the security communications takes place when the key is inserted and a transducer in the key communicates with the ignition/DAS to authorize a start.

BioPOWER · #3 03-04-2007, 01:34 AM

Sometimes my E300 does the exact same thing, getting past normal RPMs in 1st (~4000) then unexpectedly slamming into 2nd. I believe the owner's manual explains it as pertaining to catalyst light-off...but it is definitely un-Mercedes-like to jerk the way it does on that shift. It only happens once in awhile and usually from a cold start.

scott19_68 · #4 03-04-2007, 08:22 AM

I'd make sure your ATF level is correct. The O-rings on the electrical plug connector wear out over time and it is positioned such that about 1 quart will leak out. Mine was low by over a quart and I experienced similiar issues - mostly a delayed shift from reverse to drive. If you are also experiencing delayed downshifts I'd bet the ATF level is low.

aklim · #5 03-04-2007, 08:38 AM

I haven't had that yet but if you think it is low and it might be because cold causes fluid to shrink in volume, take it to a dealer for a check.

Parrot of Doom · #6 03-04-2007, 10:58 AM

Heres the dipstick for reference, in case you want to make your own:

And those are cm.

jnc19610 · #7 03-04-2007, 05:56 PM

Well... I have the dipstick... so, I can check that, but I doubt that the fluid is low. (but, I'll check it out)

It was a one time only type thing, so... It's weird, but I'd like to understand it better. It's like I had a big vacumn leak for a couple of seconds, but since the trans is electronically controled, it's confusing. The trans adaption story is very interesting. I think I'll have it re-learn. Most of my driving is highway. And I've been pretty gentle on the car. It's pretty obvious on some of the adaptation stuff. Heck, if I throttle it up, I can hardly get any smoke right now. Power is still pretty good.

The alarm going off in the garage, with the car not locked, I don't understand at all. But, it hasn't happened again.

I had a former life as a IMSA crew chief, and I have a bit of a car hobby, so I'm not a complete newbie around cars. (I'm just a bit of a newbie around diesels)

Thanks for the replies......

jnc19610

99 E300
99 Boxster
93 S type (wife's car)
70 914.6

aklim · #8 03-04-2007, 06:01 PM

You also need the tab that holds the cap down. You will break it to check it. Another thing to not is that it must be at a certain temp for you to check it. I would suspect driving for 10 mins would get you there. However, without an accurate temp, you are still making a guess. Star Diagnostic System would plug in and read the temp. That or you can use an IR thermometer. However, note that in my Ford Powerstroke with the 4R100 trans, the ECM also reads the temp but it is different from the gauge we install into the pressure port. So, if you suspect something, Get someone with SDS to read it for you.