99 CLK430 transmission problems - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

neonflx · #1 05-26-2004, 03:19 PM

Hi

I am new to the forums, I have a 99 CLK430 and have a transmission problem , when coming to a stop (while the transmission downshift) I hear a clunking sound also when coming to a rolling stop but not completely stopping and accelerating again i hear a clunking sound, is like is flaring it takes a second for the gears to engage, it also has some flearing when slowing down on corners and accelerating.

I recently switched the transmission from S to W and the problems do not seems as bad less flearing and not much clunking. The dealer looked at the car charged me 200.00 dollars to tell me that there were no errors reported by computer, oil level was ok and that it might be an internal problem 4800.00 for a new tranny and module (I'm in the military haha we don't make that kind of money) anyway would changing the fluid and filter a good idea and if it does not correct the problem what is my next step, thanks a bunch in advance for any suggestion

Also what would I need and where to purchase, as well as torque specs for the tranny bolts thank you.

blackmercedes · #2 05-26-2004, 05:00 PM

What's your build date? Early 1999's might have the ETC problems? I wonder?

The harsh downshifts sound exactly like the ETC requires updating? Is the tranny "slipping" when pulling hard away from a dead stop? That can be the pressure control spring.

My 98 C230 had the harsh downshifts and the "slip" away from idle. The dealer diagnosed a new pressure spring to solve the slip and an updated ETC to solve the harsh downshift. Mercedes Benz Canada decided, since the car was under warranty, to replace the entire tranny, converter, and ETC. Problems solved. However, I trust that the original diagnosis would have solved the problems.

neonflx · #3 05-26-2004, 07:42 PM

What is the ETC, i will assume is Electronic Transmission control, and yes it does slipps when pulling away hard from a stop, I have 37k on the car it has a canadian vin , i did purchased the car here in the states, the dealer is set on replacing the transmission and module, should i get a second opinion, thanks

blackmercedes · #4 05-26-2004, 09:08 PM

Ah, those symptoms sound familiar. Replacing the transmission and the ETC (Electronic Trans Control) is the best option for solving the problem long term. Into MY2000, the transmission was updated several times, and having the newest version is preferable. Unfortunately for those folks out of warranty, it's durned expensive.

My own dealer had some options that they talked to me about. Replacing the ETC and the Pressure Control Spring would have fulfilled the warranty requirements, but they felt the best long term solution would be just to replace the whole shebang. Fortunately for me, MB Canada covered the nearly $8KCDN bill for all that. They were within the terms of the warranty agreement to spend the $1500 or so for the other route, so I was happy that they took the more expensive route.

I understand that the V-8 version of the 722.6 had some key mods that are highly desireable.

Perhaps you might talk to some other dealers and/or indies...

neonflx · #5 05-27-2004, 09:16 PM

The build date is 03/99, does that means that I have the ETC bug?

Is there a site where I can do some readin about this, thanks again for the great info.

C32AMG · #6 05-27-2004, 09:52 PM

the 1999 cars that had the software problem were models 202, 208, 210, 129, 140, and 170.but these car had codes 146 trans slipping. I would call any dealer and ask them to check for a master inquiry for open campigns on you cars.

neonflx · #7 05-27-2004, 10:59 PM

C32AMG wrote

Quote:

the 1999 cars that had the software problem were models 202, 208, 210, 129, 140, and 170.but these car had codes 146 trans slipping. I would call any dealer and ask them to check for a master inquiry for open campigns on you cars

The CLK430 is a W208
So what exactly are you saying? thanks

C32AMG · #8 05-28-2004, 08:34 PM

What I am saying , with no codes the problem could be mechanical as black Mercedes said, the control valve pressure regulator spring breaks causing low working pressures and erratic shifts, but the valve bodies had so many problems they were redesigned , I lost count at four. Find out if any work or updates were done on the transmission.

blackmercedes · #9 05-28-2004, 08:56 PM

Just because the CEL is off, does not mean that the tranny is not storing codes. You won't be able to access them with an OBD-II reader, and I'm not sure which readers will other than the SDS system.

The symptoms can be caused by a few things, and it's going to take some REAL diagnostic work to root out the cause and find whether a complete transmission replacement is actually required. In my own limited experience with other owners and my own cars, a complete replacement is not required in most cases. A close friend of mine has a C280 and he had tremendously rough downshifts that were solved by a new tranny because the dealer refused to do diagnostic work on an in-warranty 722.6. It's a bit of a pity, since we don't know the real cause. My neighbour also has a W202 C280, and he had an updated valve body and ETC that made his tranny butter smooth and like new. Since it was out of warranty, he took it to an indie that did real homework and solved the problems at a fraction of the cost of a new tranny. However, it's obvious that some detailed knowledge of the 722.6 and it's potential difficulties (especially 97-99 builds) is required to repair instead replace.

houman · #10 08-08-2007, 05:47 PM

hey you guys still here?
i gots the same problem with my tranny just this morning as i drifted accross two lanes. the tranny bogged out as if soemone threw a stick into the gears! its drives normaly at regular speeds but as soon as i punch it the abs light turns on and wont let it shift right. once the car power shifted into second "man that was awsome" i could just imagine if these bad boys came in stick how it would be.

is there i can do myself here, i got a buddy working at a shop with a hoist. is there any diagrams and broken parts i should look for?

david s poole · #11 08-08-2007, 06:06 PM

when you say the abs light came on and then it wouldn't shift right,the abs light coming on means that the abs is shut off [poss a wheel sensor] and if it is married to the trans computer that may be your cause.i doubt that a problem with the trans would cause the abs light to come on.