Reasons for Erratic Shifting in Your Mercedes Automatic Transmission from Experts in Louisville

Posted on September 28, 2021 by smikyautomowp

You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your Mercedes, which is why it’s cause for concern when you start experiencing erratic gear shifting and you’re not sure why. Let’s look at some of the possible reasons why this might be happening to your vehicle and why it’s so important that you bring the problem to the attention of an experienced transmission mechanic as soon as possible.

Your Transmission

Your Mercedes’s transmission is one of the most important components of the vehicle. It’s what allows your Mercedes to shift gears and move at the speed you demand. If you’ve noticed your Mercedes shifting gears erratically, that’s a pretty good indicator that you are having transmission issues.

A malfunctioning transmission is a very serious problem that can be costly to fix, and unfortunately, that repair will only become more time-consuming and expensive the longer you wait to resolve the problem.

Reasons Behind Erratic Shifting

Though the erratic shifting is most likely caused by transmission problems, the kind of problem can vary. There might be a very simple and easy solution or it may take a lot of troubleshooting and time to repair. Here are just a few possible reasons for shifting problems:

• Low or dirty transmission fluid: If you’re noticing issues with your car’s transmission, the first thing you should do is make sure that the transmission fluid is clean and that the reservoir is full. Depending on your specific Mercedes model, you may need to change out the transmission fluid at different intervals, so take a peek at your owner’s manual for instructions. Even if it’s not time to change out your transmission fluid, it’s a good idea to check it, especially if you’re noticing possible issues.
• Leaks: Tied to the problem of low or dirty transmission fluid, another possible reason why your Mercedes may be shifting erratically is that the transmission fluid is actually leaking out. The reservoir where it is kept may need to be replaced or repaired to keep that from happening. Leaks are generally caused by cracks that appear due to natural wear and tear. Proper maintenance can help avoid them.
• Worn gears: Another problem caused by wear and tear over time is the deterioration of the gears in your car’s transmission. This can cause the connections between them to become loose, and they won’t operate as designed by Mercedes-Benz.
• The clutch may be failing: People tend to think of manual transmission being the only cars with clutches, but cars with automatic transmissions have them, too. The clutch’s job is to control the amount of power flowing from the engine to the transmission and beyond. It prevents the gears from grinding and helps your car accelerate smoothly. Without a properly functioning clutch, you will have extensive shifting issues.
• Solenoid issues: A solenoid’s job is to convert electricity into power. Essentially, it helps to power the car and allow the gears to shift properly. If it’s not working properly, the transmission won’t have enough power to do its job, and the gears will start to shift erratically.

How to Deal with Erratic Shifting in Your Mercedes

It is important to note that if you think your car might be having some sort of transmission problem, you should consider towing it to a trusted Mercedes shop as soon as possible. Driving a car with a faulty transmission is not only dangerous to you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers, but it is also likely to make the transmission problem even worse.

Bringing your Mercedes to a knowledgeable mechanic shop is the best way to ensure the issue gets fixed quickly and correctly. Our auto repair technicians at St. Matthews Imports in Louisville, Kentucky have the knowledge, training, and diagnostic tools to determine the problem efficiently and work on a solution that fits your budget and needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about St. Matthews Imports, feel free to contact us or stop by one of our multiple locations, including the one in Hubbards Lane, for automotive service and repair. We are eager to get your Mercedes back on the road where you can drive it with confidence again.