W204 5 speed auto gearbox issue

[Wizard1992]

Hi all

Recently purchased a w204 c class estate 60 plate cgi 1.8 engine
73k miles
5 speed autobox


Car drives nicely and got it for a fairly decent price, so don't mind spending money unless it's terminal.

When slowing down to a stop or crawling pace the car seems to hesitate/jerk, almost as if the car dosent like going back into first gear, this occurs regardless if it's in sport, eco or manual mode.

It engages all the gears nicely and there's no nasty sounds, my previous c class ( kompresser) never had this issue, it took a while to change gears which a gearbox service cured.

Hopefully a gearbox service will cure it, but I was interested if anyone had experience or knows what it sounds like, before I give it to my local indy

Many thanks

[Kuwahara]

5 speed was pretty bullet proof tbf ,I had issues on the 7 speed in an E class which was the conductor plate.

I would go down the service route first as you say.

[Dewi 2]

Wizard1992 said:

When slowing down to a stop or crawling pace the car seems to hesitate/jerk, almost as if the car dosent like going back into first gear, this occurs regardless if it's in sport, eco or manual mode.

My CLK with a 5 speed auto, was retired a few months ago, still going well after 24 years of good service.

I can remember two occasions, when unusual gear change actions occurred.
The reason was diagnosed as low transmission oil level. Some electrical wires enter through a seal in the gearbox casing. That seal was leaking.
New seal, fresh oil and everything returned to normal. I seem to remember at the time, that the existing oil is tested in some special way, I think to check for impurities.

Expect there can also be other reasons for the fault you describe, but just thought my experience might be useful.

[Den Den]

Dewi 2 said:

Wizard1992 said:

When slowing down to a stop or crawling pace the car seems to hesitate/jerk, almost as if the car doesn't like going back into first gear, this occurs regardless if it's in sport, eco or manual mode.

My CLK with a 5 speed auto, was retired a few months ago, still going well after 24 years of good service.

I can remember two occasions, when unusual gear change actions occurred.
The reason was diagnosed as low transmission oil level. Some electrical wires enter through a seal in the gearbox casing. That seal was leaking.
New seal, fresh oil and everything returned to normal. I seem to remember at the time, that the existing oil is tested in some special way, I think to check for impurities.

Expect there can also be other reasons for the fault you describe, but just thought my experience might be useful.

The oil test is usually to check that there's no coolant leaking into the oil cooler pipes that run through the radiator. If there is, it normally knackers the clutch linings by making them swell.
The OP's problem sounds like low oil though.

[Stegel]

Den Den said:

Dewi 2 said:

Wizard1992 said:

When slowing down to a stop or crawling pace the car seems to hesitate/jerk, almost as if the car doesn't like going back into first gear, this occurs regardless if it's in sport, eco or manual mode.

My CLK with a 5 speed auto, was retired a few months ago, still going well after 24 years of good service.

I can remember two occasions, when unusual gear change actions occurred.
The reason was diagnosed as low transmission oil level. Some electrical wires enter through a seal in the gearbox casing. That seal was leaking.
New seal, fresh oil and everything returned to normal. I seem to remember at the time, that the existing oil is tested in some special way, I think to check for impurities.

Expect there can also be other reasons for the fault you describe, but just thought my experience might be useful.

The oil test is usually to check that there's no coolant leaking into the oil cooler pipes that run through the radiator. If there is, it normally knackers the clutch linings by making them swell.
The OP's problem sounds like low oil though.

The electrical plug on the side of the 722.6 transmission enters via a plastic bush which is well known as a weakness; it allows ATF to leak into the wiring loom. It may not be enough to cause low fluid, but it will cause electrical issues and has been known to creep as far as the ECU. A new bush is just a few pounds, and it’s well worth changing the bush, and making sure the electrical plug is clean of oil contamination, when the transmission is serviced. I would get the car checked on Star before the transmission service anyway, to see if any faults are reported.

[alabbasi]

Scan for codes
Brake switch
low voltage (weak battery)
conductor plate
connector
TCM

are all common issues. Also get a dipstick as it it could be as simple as low fluid

[Wizard1992]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies, my indie serviced the gearbox and couldn't find any issues with the gearbox, only issues whilst the car was on the ramp was a broken coil spring and corroded brake lines, so will get them sorted. The subframe looked OK but suspect it's only a matter of time!

They drove the car and don't think the jerk is gearbox related, he seems to think it might be a sign that the brake discs will need changing, admittedly there is a bit of lip but as the brake pads have plenty of meat left so didn't want to change them.

It doesn't cause any issues and my mate who has a c250 says the same thing happens to him so I don't think its anything to worry about ( fingers crossed! )

Thanks for your help