My 98 ML320 has just started doing something weird, and I think it is electronic in nature. The trans shifts fine, no noises, etc. This morning, I started it up, sat for a few seconds, put it into D, the trans shifted into D, then seemed to shift out of and back into D. On the way to work, it shifted fine. I stopped for gas. As I pulled up to the pump, I stopped with the brakes, and before I could shift it to P, it seemed to do the same thing. It happened again when I came to a stoplight.

Not sure if it is the trans, or maybe the transfer case going into and out of low range? It has that same type of clunk as when the transfer case is placed in and out of low range.

Any idea on what to check and how???

Update: I just went out in back of the plant with the ML to collect some scrap rigid foam insulation for home. I turned the ML off when I got back there. When I started it up, it would not go into any gear. I shifted into low and back multiple times. Nothing. I turned it on and off a few times nothing. Then I Rev'd it after starting once, and it shifted right into gear. Drove it around a bit and it was fine. I have no transmission oil leak.

Ideas?

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Could be the tranny oil filter clogged causing the pump to starve of oil.....First thing i would do is a tranny oil and filter change service

Yup, I think you are correct. On the way home, I had the same symptoms. Then, at the next light, I had my right foot on the throttle just a bit and had no symptoms.

Now all I have to do is figure out how to service my transmission.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Try this.....

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1255983-transfer-case-differential-fluid-change-questions-2.html#post1914093#post1914093

Thanks for the link. While I'm under there, I'll change all the fluids.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I would definitely change trans filter and fluid first. I used Mobil 1 about 16,000 miles ago and some random shifting problems, like you describe, went away. I now hae 142,000 on my 98 ML.

I think the service bulletin regarding creeping ATF oil inside the wiring harness to the transmission might also apply here. the oil creates random control circuit problems that sort come and go. Oil can actually migrate all the way up to the transmission control box, behind the dash.


Regards,

Jim in Phoenix

I ordered everything today. Once I'm done with the dipstick tool, I'll offer it in the tool rental program.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

I thought these trannys were unservicable. That you could not change the fluid.

There is no dipstick.

__________________
Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)

MB changed their minds. Now you can buy a new dipstick cover, and a dipstick tool that is not kept in the dipstick tube. The dipstick tool is around $65.00.
Progress, I guess.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Baaad News. About 6 little needle bearings in the pan. Black fluid. Rats.
This thing made no noises and shifted fine. Rats, rats, rats.

So, what year ML transmissions will work in my 98 ML, other than 98?
Anybodt have any idea what a trans shop would charge to rebuild mine, if I brought in the removed trans?

From what I saw, it does not look like too big of a job. Or is it? Anybody any experience they can relate or a link to a step-by-step procedure?

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Step by step removal instructions.....

http://www.pointedthree.com/disc/forums/showthread.php?tid=1523&posts=6&start=1

That is a GREAT step by step documentation of the process. Thanks for the link.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Sorry to hear about your bad luck.
Any 722.6 (ML) trans. will work in that vehicle. The ML 430, 500, and 55 have heavier duty clutch packs to match the toque of V8 engines but will work fine in the V6.
Rebuilding that trans is usually as expensive as buying a nice re-man.
#1 You'll need a new torque converter, just flushing won't do.
#2 You have to find someone who knows how to rebuild that valve body, and after you price in new solenoids and screens you'll be in too far.
#3 Once you pay someone to do a full dis-assembly of the trans, you'll want to replace all the seals and clutch packs while they're in there. And the internal parts of that trans. are EXPENSIVE if bought individually

Just buy a re-manufactured one, they usually come with a longer warranty than any shop will give you on a rebuild job. Once again, sorry about the bad news.

2000 up trans. has no shifter lock out cable, 98-99 will fit correctly.