Automatic gearbox, no drive...

[splodge s4]

Morning chaps, my 98 E240 lost drive a few days ago. Motoring along about 35mph ish when it lost drive & coasted to a halt, just like going into neurtal, you can rev the engine but no drive.

I couldnt get any gears but after switching off & removing the key, when I started up again I was able to get drive for about 100 metres before it then coasted to a halt again. If I now try it you can feel it select drive but then nothing. No warning lights have come on at all.

Some people say check the oil but how do you do that, therse no dip stick? Hopefully this is an easy fix, any ideas anyone before I take it to a specialist?

Thanks chaps

[auto-mobile]

get the oil level checked, any indy "should have a dipstick" failing that then read fault codes (possible valve fault) if still nothing it will be a box im afraid

[DickyC]

As splodge would seem to be going to see the automatic gearbox specialist any minute, could anyone recommend one in West Berks, please? I'm in Newbury, but anywhere within a 20 to 30 mile radius would be fine if they are good.

Mercedes have charged £600 so far for two failed attempts to cure the box in my wife's (also 98) SLK and they want a heap of money for Round 3. Time for a specialist I think. It sticks in First and takes up brutally, particularly when cold, and has defeated them. (If I use the Winter setting it sticks in Second and the take up is just as savage.)

Thanks.

[splodge s4]

Just to add a bit of closure to this thread incase anyone else has this problem....

Its not an easy fix . The oil has 'fibers & metallic bits' in it which means something has failed so needs a full strip & rebuild. Could be £1,500+ so as we only paid £700 for the car thats not going to happen. A 2nd hand box could be £500ish & its a gamble to what condition its in. The car could drive 10 miles or so so one option is to sell it at auction & hope it drives through but I couldn't sleep at night if I saw a family buy it for their family car so I really dont want to do that.

So anyone have any ideas?

Ive just been out & bought a 2005 low miles E270 estate so happy to let the old one rot unless anyone wants it...