W202 Common Problems and Their Solutions

[Quantman]

Hard downshift from 2nd to 1st.
I have a 1999 C230 Kompressor with the learning automatic transmission. I was able to solve the clunk downshift from 2nd to 1st by replacing the front flex disc.

[Curacao]

According to my MB Dealer. Another common problems among the W202 is the Damper Pulley which located near the crankshaft. These would the first thing that might break. I had mine changed two years ago after it broke a made a hole in the crankcase and my oil pan. The rubber which keeps the crankshaft in place came of and there was a screaming sound coming from the engine. Since the rubber seal was not there, the damper was leaning downwards. The fanbelt was scratching the engine blok.



Eddie

[davis449]

c230nola - 11/15/2005 1:18 AM

I have the exact same problem with my '99 C230K (hard downshift from 2nd to first). I read a post somewhere else that it could be a faulty transmission valve controller, but have been unable to this anywhere else.

I will corroborate this. I have had the same issue troubleshooted 2 times. First they replaced the TCU and then the valve, pretty much fixed the issue. So I will properly post this.

Problem: EXTREMELY hard downshift into 1st gear, crappy, sometimes delayed shifting of tranny when warming up, and just general rough shifting as well.

Description: Car will shift REALLY hard into 1st at times, delayed sort of tranny slipping shifts when warming up, and general rough shifting at times.

Solution: Either the Transmission Control Unit or a valve in the transmission. The TCU applies to the 722.6 transmission only and the valve applies to all years (my 95 confimred this).

[zadefaraj]

Problem Description: Dash Removal, Vacuum Leak, and Center Vents not operating properly.
Problem Cause: Vacuum Leak from Billows behind Dashboard.
Solution: DIY replacement of Billows by vacuum testing and removal of dashboard.
With this post

Constant problem of center vents not blowing air out of them, and 3rd gear cold start not shifting.

Time to do: 2 hours or 1-2 days

Tools needed:
Torx 27 (For Removing Airbag)
1/8” Allen-key style hex socket (For Removing Steering Wheel)
-Preferably the Mercedes Benz dealer tool
-Also, some sort of breaker bar to loosen it.
Smallish sized Flat Head Screwdriver
Medium sized Flat Head Screwdriver
Medium sized Phillips Screwdriver
Preferably a 90 degree head screwdriver
Needle Nose Pliers
Magnet tool
Large and Small sized Socket Set.
-using mainly 8mm sockets.
Stereo removal keys
-Preferably the Mercedes Benz dealer tool,
-Can be substituted for whatever item you can fashion.
Vacuum Test Pump (if testing for vacuum leak)
-Can be found at AutoZone. Highly Highly recommended!!!

Level of difficulty (1-10): 7

[25-A6-33-C]

As far as I know there are no problems, except from leaking injectors

[maci234]

car fine at speed at low revs terrible,revs up and down,stop and go traffic bad cannot take off gently,seems to hunt a bit and hesitate,hope someone can help

[crazykittycat]

Our door locks used to work, but now only the front doors will lock with the key and everything will unlock with the key. any suggestions? Is there a fuse. Thanks for any help you can give.

[shandy]

Crazykittycat,
If you start a new topic you may get more response.
Geo.

[LGBenzo]

Originally Posted by crazykittycat

Our door locks used to work, but now only the front doors will lock with the key and everything will unlock with the key. any suggestions? Is there a fuse. Thanks for any help you can give.

All the door locks on most mercedes are controlled by vacuum. You have vacuum motor all over the car including gas cap door release, door locks, AC vent flaps.

You may have a faulty vacuum motor(s) or vacuum leak somewhere in the system. On most w202 the vacuum tank is behind the right front fender( this holds vacuum to opporate these systems when the engine is off, since the engine is the primary source of vaccum) . There is also a auxillary vaccum pump in the trunk behind the right side brake light. You can actually hear it “whirrrring” when you lock and unlock your doors.

[C230K_Dimi-GR]

..I have 311.000 km driven by my car and I had no serious problem...