Why does my Transmission in my Mercedes stay stuck in overdrive at times?
my car as I'm driving along on the interstate will automatically go into overdrive where the RPMs are extremely high I have to pull over cut the car off sometimes and reCrank It Up now once I Crank It Up and put it in drive it does not want to go back into park unless I cut the engine off then shifted into drive
My car has 165400 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. Such transmission problems should certainly set a malfunction light. I suggest that the codes in the computer are retrieved to help shine a light on the issue. A technician will be able to scan your system for you and alert you of any trouble codes that are present. Your question does sound like that of a transmission issue, but your description kind of goes against the physics of transmissions. When overdrive engages the rpm should go down not up because overdrive is a Highway gear (usually fifth gear) which causes the RPM’s to drop in order to conserve fuel. If it is doing the exact opposite you may have an internal transmission error in your 5th gear which transmission shop will likely have to repair. However, the type of transmission your E320 carries has a low internal transmission failure rate history. In fact almost 90% of transmission related issues on your car are caused by one of three electrical component failures. The conductor plate which is located inside of the valve body is known to malfunction. It is a responsible for conducting speed and shift signals throughout the transmission. Secondly, the rubber o-ring on the largest circle-shaped connector going to the conductor plate is also known to leak transmission fluid. It leaks onto the attached connector and may cause a loss of contact or short-circuit. Our third but most frequent cause of any transmission malfunction on your particular vehicle will be a contaminated or bad electronic shifter. This is located underneath the gear shift and commonly suffers contamination from drinks spilled in that area. I recommend to have a technician check the items I mentioned before determining the transmission faulty to save you time and money. If needed you can schedule a technician here https://www.yourmechanic.com/ which will come to the vehicle location.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Common culprits causing Mercedes transmission fluid leaks are faulty seals. The one we find to be the problem most often is the transmission oil pan gasket, but leaks can also result from other loose seals, damaged or leaking transmission fluid lines or torque pump, or a damaged or cracked transmission oil pan.
A transmission leak will not get better on its own. If it goes unchecked, vehicle operation will eventually be affected, and you may find yourself with an expensive repair. So, while it may be safe to drive with a leaking transmission, it`s not advisable, and you shouldn`t put off fixing the problem.
Torque Converter Leaks
Torque converters propel the transmission fluid into the transmission. If it has a crack or has a faulty seal, or if the needle bearings are damaged, it will leak. Again, this is something that can happen with normal wear and tear of the vehicle.
How long does it take to start working? Bar`s Leaks Transmission Stop Leak starts working the minute you install and start driving the vehicle. You will usually see results in about 200 miles or three (3) days of driving.
Faulty Transmission Pan or Gasket
The fuel pan gasket is the number one culprit if your vehicle`s transmission fluid leaks when your car is parked. Cars with automatic transmissions have a pan gasket designed to catch most fluids leaking from the engine.
To be sure, you`ll need to pinpoint where it`s coming from using your eyes and your nose. Amber, dark brown or even black fluid is probably motor oil, but it could also be brake fluid. Reddish fluid is usually from the transmission, though it could also be power-steering fluid.
A puddle on the ground: The most obvious sign of a transmission leak is discovering a pool of transmission fluid under your vehicle. Most leaks start small, so check your regular parking spot often. A few drops aren`t necessarily a major problem, but it will be the sign that you have the start of a leak.
Generally, your car will not drive at all if you have completely run out of transmission fluid. This is especially true if your car uses an automatic transmission. In an automatic vehicle, the transmission fluid provides a coupling between the engine`s output and the gears in your transmission.
Excessive fluid prohibits proper lubrication and cooling and slows the rotating crankshaft, similar to the effect of running through water. When the air above mixes with the high levels of fluid, it creates a foamy substance that saturates the transmission. This can lead to: Part pitting.
Transmission fluid leaking from the bell housing can have a few potential causes. One possibility is a damaged gasket or seal, which can lead to fluid leakage. Another potential cause could be a crack or hole in the bell housing itself, allowing fluid to escape.
One of the main causes of transmission leaks is a cracked pan gasket. When there is some kind of fray in the gasket, you`ll need to replace it, as the fluid inside will continue to seep out. This cause is easy to fix. All you`ll need to do is purchase a new gasket (which is relatively inexpensive).
SYMPTOMS – Failed in the Open Position
With the transmission unable to slip, the engine will stall when the vehicle comes to a stop. This type of solenoid failure will set a Diagnostic Trouble Code causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
The fuel pan gasket is the number one culprit if your vehicle`s transmission fluid leaks when your car is parked. Cars with automatic transmissions have a pan gasket designed to catch most fluids leaking from the engine.
Causes of Transmission Fluid Leaks
Over time, road debris and heat can cause the transmission fluid lines to crack or break, which can cause fluid to leak out. Another reason for lost fluid is your vehicle`s torque pump has become cracked or an axle seal has been compromised.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Why does my Transmission in my Mercedes stay stuck in overdrive at times?
ANSWER : Hello. Such transmission problems should certainly set a malfunction light. I suggest that the codes in the computer are retrieved to help shine a light on the issue. A technician will be able to scan your system for you and alert you of any trouble codes that are present. Your question does sound like that of a transmission issue, but your description kind of goes against the physics of transmissions. When overdrive engages the rpm should go down not up because overdrive is a Highway gear (usually fifth gear) which causes the RPM’s to drop in order to conserve fuel. If it is doing the exact opposite you may have an internal transmission error in your 5th gear which transmission shop will likely have to repair. However, the type of transmission your E320 carries has a low internal transmission failure rate history. In fact almost 90% of transmission related issues on your car are caused by one of three electrical component failures. The conductor plate which is located inside of the valve body is known to malfunction. It is a responsible for conducting speed and shift signals throughout the transmission. Secondly, the rubber o-ring on the largest circle-shaped connector going to the conductor plate is also known to leak transmission fluid. It leaks onto the attached connector and may cause a loss of contact or short-circuit. Our third but most frequent cause of any transmission malfunction on your particular vehicle will be a contaminated or bad electronic shifter. This is located underneath the gear shift and commonly suffers contamination from drinks spilled in that area. I recommend to have a technician check the items I mentioned before determining the transmission faulty to save you time and money. If needed you can schedule a technician here https://www.yourmechanic.com/ which will come to the vehicle location.
2003 jeep liberty stuck in reverse, shifter is stuck…but crawling under and trying to manually shift from transmission stuck
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on what you have written above, it is highly probable that the inner linkage has come loose or there is an obstruction within the inner gear set that is causing your problem. Unfortunately, this typically requires dropping the transmission and repair or inspection from the inside. This is not a service our mobile mechanics are equipped to offer, so your best bet is to contact a local transmission specialist for assistance.
The transmission keeps dropping out of overdrive.
ANSWER : Hi there. If the transmission is coming out of overdrive and back into overdrive, either the downshift solenoid has an internal leak or there is an internal issue with the transmission overdrive clutch. Check the downshift solenoid and see if it’s functioning. To do this, slow down the vehicle and see if the rpm’s slightly raise up as the vehicle descends to a stop. If the rpm’s are not raising up as the vehicle is slowing down, then I recommend replacing the downshift solenoid. If the rpm’s raise up, then there is an internal part failure in the transmission. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you diagnose your transmission.
My MMI system keeps shutting off; will only stay on for 20 seconds. when it shuts off all the buttons become red.
ANSWER : Hi there. The Multi Media Interface (MMI) to your vehicle could have an issue with a button internal that is pushed making the system not function properly. Even though the buttons are not pushed, if a button is locked down inside the system, then the system will shut down to prevent any damage. You could try to remove the battery cables to the battery and hook them back up. This will clear the MMI system to default and allow you to reset all the parameters and functions. If you are still having trouble with your MMI system, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Sometimes when I shift my car’s automatic transmission into Drive it stays in neutral. Reverse works and trans fluid is full.
ANSWER : It is very possible that you could have some internal transmission damage. I would recommend enlisting in the assistance of a qualified transmission professional to inspect your transmission for internal faults. I must warn that this could be a pricy inspection as it may involve the removal and disassembly of the transmission. However, this is a sure fire way to determine if any internal damage has occured. The good news is that if any damage has occured, it can easily be resolved at that time since the transmissoin has already been disassembled.
1998 mercedes benz c280 transmission fluid leak from top
ANSWER : Hi there. Unfortunately, we are not able to receive pictures or video to pinpoint damage or identify parts for vehicles through this platform. The best way to identify this item is to search online for a detailed schematic of your C280 Mercedes-Benz or contact a local MB specialist mechanic or the dealership service department to determine the parts name and function. You might also want to have a MB specialist mechanic install and inspect your vehicle for further transmission fluid leaks to ensure the repairs are correctly completed.
my transmission is "slipping" 3% of the time
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your transmission is beginning to slip. This can be caused by many things. The first thing I would do is check the vehicle’s transmission. Automatic transmission use fluid pressure to operate, and will have all sorts of issues if the fluid is low or dirty. If the fluid checks out, I would then move on to looking at the transmission itself. It may be possible that one of the components, such as a sensor or solenoid may be going out and causing your issue. It may also be possible that the transmission is simply worn out and can no longer hold the engine torque, perhaps due to a worn clutch pack, valve body, or torque converter. In these cases of removal and overhaul of the transmission is required. You may be able to continue driving the vehicle, however, because it may cause the symptoms to worsen over time if the issue is not quickly addressed.
At times my jeep will start fine and at times I have a hard time getting it to start. It seems like the wireless ignition node is
ANSWER : The recommended diagnostic to resolve this is a hard starting diagnostic. The work is performed by a certified mechanic right at your location. Among the first things the mechanic will check is whether required maintenance is up to date because old spark plugs, clogged fuel and air filters, and the like are potential causes of the hard starting you are describing. Other possible causes include a failing coolant temperature sensor, or bad connection to the sensor, problems with other sensors such as the cam and crankshaft position sensors, a defective fuel pump, and many other causes, all of which will be familiar to YourMechanic’s experts. With regard to the fuel pump, if the engine is not getting enough fuel it will be hard to start. If you request a hard starting diagnostic, YourMechanic will get this issue diagnosed and resolved for you.
