Just back from the shop (Theo's in Peachtree City, GA). He pulled codes
on my E-430 and here is what we have:
P2502 and P220A. I plan to get the car back to the shop on Monday after
a little due diligence on my part.
I assume I may need to plan a transmission service at the same time. Again, the vehicle has 165,000 miles and has never had the transmission serviced.
I plan to use whatever the rec is for ATF.
But first things first. Need to understand what the codes are telling me. I believe the trnsmsission PDF on the 210 sedan blog may have some useful info. The trouble is that it is somewhat too technical for me. I also, did a search in the 210 sedan for transmission and got some useful info. Especially the pictures posted. Again a little technical as I am not a card carrying DIY like many of you guys.
JT in GA
Ah, since Mobil1 does make a synthetic AT fluid you added facts that did nothing but confuse.
If you've ignored your transmission by buying into the "maintenance free" marketing nonsense, you've been lucky.
Based on the codes you may or may not be (lucky). Since you say you're not technical and relying on others, then take it in for service and have them do the things listed below. DO NOT go to the dealer, they no longer have the spec fluid for your car, and you will only add to your woes. Find an MB-specializing indy or an indy transmission shop that specializes in German cars.
1. Check the TCM to see if it has fluid incursion. If so, remove and clean with electronic parts cleaner, and disconnect the harness at the transmission and spray cleaner down the harness to flush out the excess fluid. When dry reinstall TCM.
2. Remove pan and clean. Replace pilot bushing/adapter/spacer (where harness plugged in) with redesigned part, being sure to source the part from the dealer, not the aftermarket. Plug the harness back in.
3. Fit new filter and reinstall pan. Fill with 236.10 spec fluid only.
4. Using proper equipment (snap-on, SDS, Carsoft) clear transmission codes.
5. Start car and set proper fluid levels at 25c and 80c.
6. Repeat fluid and filter service in 20,000 miles (the above service will only change about a third, and at that mileage I'd be hesitant to change all of it at once).
That's the most inexpensive way to proceed. If that doesn't do it, then it's likely you have internal issues with the transmission, perhaps a conductor plate, perhaps more. But at that mileage and having waited that long to do a simple fluid change, it may be more expedient to just replace the transmission with a rebuilt unit, since it's life has already been shortened by being ignored for so long.
And no, an oil change can't affect the transmission unless someone was a complete idiot and drained the transmission instead of the engine, in which case the car wouldn't have moved afterward to begin with and the engine would have been so overfilled with oil that it likely wouldn't run. (And yes, I've known of such stupid things happening.) But if it's a "trusted and experienced" shop they wouldn't do that.
Good luck.
PS: May I also suggest that in the future when you have a specific issue with your car that you actually post in the 210 forum (what I'm guessing you're referring to as the "sedan forum")? This introduction forum is just that, a place to say hi, here I am, and really not to enter technical discussions about your car. Specific info on specific models -- that's what the sub-forums are all about. :thumbsup:
