Ugh. I think I have a tranny issue. :( - Benzworld.org

J-bird · 07-31-2005, 12:44 AM

This evening I got in the ML for a spin and I noticed that the rpm's were very high and it would not kick in into higher gears.

In other words RPM's High; MPH SLOW!

I tried using the tiptronic/steptronic and nothing. No indication on the display that I was trying to upshift and no response in lowering of RPM's.

Got off the road immediately, and had it towed to the dealer.

Just wondering what you all think.

Thanks!

**ttaleric** · 07-31-2005, 06:53 AM

So it would not shift out of the first or second gear? Sounds kind of what happend to me. If this is a Tranny problem I would talk to noodles and see what he did to get his free tranny.. Good luck!

**cmitch** · 07-31-2005, 07:02 AM

Failure at 48,000 miles???! Oh, Geez!

Sounds like it locked into safe mode (third gear)

Could be clogged valve body (if you're lucky).

Was there any symptoms before?

Noodles · 07-31-2005, 10:24 AM

Wow, I am pretty sure MBUSA will take action on one that young and so close to being out of warranty, not even on mileage yet but time. Sorry you have to go thru this, but I think the dealer will get you going with assistance from MB. In your case I would would hope they would even pick up the labor bill.
Here is the recent saga of our episode.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1217781&posts=15&fid=29

J-bird · 07-31-2005, 12:03 PM

I will keep you all informed when I hear back from the dealer, I bet they wont get it in the shop until tues or something. They are always booked.

J-bird · 08-02-2005, 11:50 AM

MB dealer called today and here is the diagnosis.

The Transmission control module has gone bad and failed. They say it sits under the shift boot and on top of the tranny or there abouts.

Transmission control module is $279.00 and the labor to install is $262.00

They are also charging for the $150.00 for the diagnostic. For some reason I thought that they waived that fee when they are given the go ahead to repair or I could be wrong?

So we are looking at a $700.00 repair. Have not given the green light as I wanted to hear from ya'll first.

Need your thoughts or experiences on this.

Thanks so much!

J-bird · 08-02-2005, 12:57 PM

I have to call them back soon. Thanks!

08-02-2005, 01:30 PM

I would dispute the $150 Diagnostic fee. You could buy the module for the $279 and install it yourself. It's not hard to access that location.
Mike

J-bird · 08-02-2005, 01:46 PM

I think that the module has to have a bit of programming done, so might not be a diy. (at least in my case!)

Noodles · 08-02-2005, 05:00 PM

There is programming after install.

I would absolutely negotiate away the diagnostic fee. It took them 15 minutes to plug in and scan for the code. A failed TCM should log a code. If they want a half hour labor for that so be it, but $150 is harsh.

I do have the expertise to make the repair, but with the programming needed and the fact that it is already at the dealer I would just let them do it. If they knock down the diagnosis fee. IMHO

One other thing I would really drill them about changing the tranny fluid. Some of us ML owners are getting more convinced that this "sealed for life" plan is not sound and will prematurely wear out trannies.