C 280 Transmission Slipping
#1
06-03-2008, 02:37 PM
C 280 Transmission Slipping
Hello all,
I am a new subscriber to this site and wanted to get some expert advice concerning a transmission problem on my 1997 C-280 with 91,000 miles. I am the original owner, transmission fluid has never been changed and about 6-months ago my transmission began to act up. Here is the history: Randomly, on acceleration the transmission seemed to be slipping, it was slow to accelerate but would eventually catch and accelerate normally. Randomly, I would hear a noise from the transmission area similar to a pressure relief valve cycling. Approaching a stop light, I would notice the wheels driving the transmission...it would not downshift and I could see the RPM flux as the car decelerated. Last issue, after another acceleration slipping incident the check engine light illuminated and the transmission became useful only in 1st, reverse, neutral and park...I am assuming this is the classic LIMP MODE.
I am considering replacing the transmission fluid and filter with hopes this will solve the problem versus using that money to get a diagnostic, $140 at the dealership. I will only do this if there is strong concurrence from the responders that this is a valid action.
Your thoughts,
Craig
I am a new subscriber to this site and wanted to get some expert advice concerning a transmission problem on my 1997 C-280 with 91,000 miles. I am the original owner, transmission fluid has never been changed and about 6-months ago my transmission began to act up. Here is the history: Randomly, on acceleration the transmission seemed to be slipping, it was slow to accelerate but would eventually catch and accelerate normally. Randomly, I would hear a noise from the transmission area similar to a pressure relief valve cycling. Approaching a stop light, I would notice the wheels driving the transmission...it would not downshift and I could see the RPM flux as the car decelerated. Last issue, after another acceleration slipping incident the check engine light illuminated and the transmission became useful only in 1st, reverse, neutral and park...I am assuming this is the classic LIMP MODE.
I am considering replacing the transmission fluid and filter with hopes this will solve the problem versus using that money to get a diagnostic, $140 at the dealership. I will only do this if there is strong concurrence from the responders that this is a valid action.
Your thoughts,
Craig
#3
06-11-2008, 12:52 PM
RE: C 280 Transmission Slipping
All,
For anyone that may have a similar issue, I bit the bullet and took the car to the dealership for a diagnosis. For $147 the diagnostic showed a bad transmission valve body. The valve body will cost $700 dollars and total cost to fix is $1400. I feel confident in my ability to replace the valve body at a much cheaper price but there is a catch. If after replacement of the valve body the car shifts slowly the dealership recommended the electronic control unit will also need to be replaced. I have no idea why that would be but had to take their word for it. There is a $1,100 cost for that fix. All told, I could be $2,500 into the hole. Based upon the age of the vehicle and other problems that may surface I have decide to sell the car.
Craig
For anyone that may have a similar issue, I bit the bullet and took the car to the dealership for a diagnosis. For $147 the diagnostic showed a bad transmission valve body. The valve body will cost $700 dollars and total cost to fix is $1400. I feel confident in my ability to replace the valve body at a much cheaper price but there is a catch. If after replacement of the valve body the car shifts slowly the dealership recommended the electronic control unit will also need to be replaced. I have no idea why that would be but had to take their word for it. There is a $1,100 cost for that fix. All told, I could be $2,500 into the hole. Based upon the age of the vehicle and other problems that may surface I have decide to sell the car.
Craig
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post