Problems with fathers C200 auto gearbox, any ideas?

[silverback mike]

Hi folks,
Silverback senior has a 1996 C200 Auto. It's gearbox seems to have thrown a wobbly.
Earlier this week it started to slip a bit from first to second, he described it as the revs raising without it changing down...

He now tells me it won't change gear. But does drive, with no warnings displayed.

I've asked him if he has checked the fluid level, he answered by saying that it seems to be a sealed unit, so isn't sure how to do it. The trouble is, he's at least 2 hours drive away so I can't nip down and have a look.

Any ideas, or does anyone know a bit about them. I'm presuming it may be a sensor or something, there are no puddles on the drive, no grinding or nasty noises etc.

Help appreciated.
Mike.

[cptsideways]

Any oil leaks on the drive?

I'd check oil level first, should be a dipstick at the back of the engine probably low down, must be checked with the handbrake on and in D or Drive.

See how you get on.

[silverback mike]

He has had a gander at the back of the engine, and found the 'dipstick' atf checking hole, but it has a red bung locked on the top advising to go to the dealer. He popped this off, but there is no dipstick, just an empty tube.

[Egbert Nobacon]

silverback mike said:

He has had a gander at the back of the engine, and found the 'dipstick' atf checking hole, but it has a red bung locked on the top advising to go to the dealer. He popped this off, but there is no dipstick, just an empty tube.

Hi Mike,

Your Dad will need to get hold of a special dipstick which he can then use to check the oil using the tube with the red bung on top - I would imagine any local specialist could lend him one or check it for him.

Merc in their infinite wisdom state these are sealed for life - hence no dipstick - but many do benefit from an oil change at higher miles.

One thing to watch on the electronic 5 speed Merc boxes is that they can leak at the rear seal and the oil is forced up the insulation,eventually getting in to the ECU causing all sorts of issues ! But I would imagine some oil would also be visible on the ground so it sounds unlikely here.

Good luck

Nigel

[silverback mike]

Thanks Nigel,
I thought it would be possible, but as the old boy is panicking somewhat I have booked it into a non franchise gearbox place in cwmbran. The chap seemed to know his beans, and stated that in general they have a merc of that vintage in every couple of weeks. Apparently the 5 speed electronic boxes have a habit of munching speed sensors, he also said it wouldn't be that expensive and he would have it sorted within a day or so...

Always nice to hear that rather than a sharp intake of breath and "ooooo, that'll cost ya"

I was the one who convinced him he wanted a merc auto after years of manual cars...."Honestly pops, the merc autos are bombproof"

[Egbert Nobacon]

Mike

If it doesn't work out with the garage you have chosen, let me know as I am in the Merc Owners club and they have a long countrywide list of recommended specialists - I can send you a few names if needbe.

They are recommended on the basis of owners club members experience and so they "should" be good.

Regards

Nigel

[silverback mike]

Thanks Nigel, it would be handy to have as the place I found is purely a gearbox specialist, so any helpful / owners club garage would be helpful just in case.