Hello all,

It looks as though I am experiencing torque converter lock-up on my 1997 E320. Thanks Ali for helping me diagnose!! What needs to be done to correct this problem? do I need a new transmission controller? If so, have an estimate of what this may cost? Is it a DIY'r job? I am currently driving the vehicle as my daily driver.

Thanks for your help

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

Yes, the problem I suggested is the lockup clutch is not allowing the scheduled amount of computer controlled slip to dampen the vibrations. As discussed in the previous thread, the lockup clutch should engage at those speeds but should modulate the pressure applied to the lockup clutch to allow about 60 rpm or so of "slip." If it does not allow for any "slip" it will produce those driveline vibrations.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Do you mean a converter shutter, chatter? If so.


The torque converter clutch apply is pulse width modulated and duty cycle controlled.

You have to retrieve any stored codes. The only code that would not put the Trans into a limp mode is DTC 53, “torque converter lock up clutch slipping.”


The way too diagnose the cause is with a scanner, looking at data parameters:
Pressure torque converter lock up
PWM solenoid valve status
Shift valve duty cycle
Slippage RPM valve




Some times a fluid change (Flush) will fix the chatter. I know the fluid is expensive but it might be worth the expense.

C32,

Thank you for the reply! That helps.

I do not have a scanner, So I guess I need to take it in. The fluid was changed about 38K ago. (Using 60K intervals). Should it cost me very much to take it to my indie for this? Is this something that I would be better off taking it to the dealer for?

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

If I were you, the dealer would be my first choice; the fix could be a soft ware update. For my future knowledge post what they find. Good luck.

C32,

I took the car to my Indie today to address this issue. He wanted to start by pulling the codes from the engine, TCU and traction control. The engine and traction control modules were clear. The TCU came up with these codes: 114, 132 and 135. He said none of the codes were really pointing to one thing and were really inconclusive. He then cleared the codes, drove the car again, and checked the codes, and got nothing. He checked the trans fluid and said the level is fine and it's not leaking anywhere but it is very burnt and needs to be changed. (last changed 129,000..currently at 149,000). He said we should start by flushing the trans completely and changing the filter. What say you guys?

He said the fluid flush and change will run 148.00. He charged me 124.00 for pulling the codes and the complete checkout today...He also changed a few light bulbs and put a new grommet on my washer fluid resevior so that it will hold fluid again... and didn't charge me for the later. He also talked to me for quite a while explaining the systems of the car. This only the second time I've used this shop (Inter Shop). I feel like these prices are fair...what do you guys think?

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776