Mercedes CLK transmission issues

My 2003 Mercedes CLK with a gasoline engine is acting up. The check engine light and transmission indicator are both on. The automatic gearbox is slipping, shifts are not smooth, and I'm hearing grinding noises when it changes gears. A code reader shows a transmission error. Could this be a torque converter failure, specifically the lock-up clutch? Mileage is at 235525 km. Has anyone experienced something similar?

4 comment(s)

Sounds rough! I had similar issues with my CLK. Slipping, weird noises... turned out to be the torque converter. Does it feel like it's struggling to maintain speed on the highway, almost like it's hunting for the right gear?

Exactly! It feels like it can't decide what gear it wants to be in, especially around 80-100 km/h. Was it definitely the lock-up clutch in the torque converter for you? What was the damage?

Yup, classic symptoms of a failing lock-up clutch in the torque converter. I nursed it for a bit, but it only got worse. Eventually, I had to get the torque converter replaced. Honestly, get it checked out by a reputable workshop soon. Continuing to drive it could cause even more damage to the automatic transmission.

Thanks for the heads up! Took it to the shop today, and you were spot on. Automatic transmission converter defective, they quoted 2120€ for the repair. Ouch. Guess it's time to get it fixed. Appreciate you sharing your experience!

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