The Mercedes brand has been synonymous with exemplary performance since automobiles came onto the market. This performance is often linked to engine performance as well as road handling. When your Mercedes develops gear selector issues, it’s easy to be frustrated with waiting for repairs. The last thing you’d expect is for the gears to not function as designed. This creates the need for gear selection repairs that you can only get from certified auto-repair shops.
Let’s explore some of the common causes of gear selector issues as well as signs of the same and what you can do when it happens.
Causes of Gear Selector Issues
The gear selector in your Mercedes is a part of the transmission system that is responsible for the vehicle’s movement. When your Mercedes switches from one gear to another automatically, this is the gear selector at work. With the automated gear selector, Mercedes drivers are able to enjoy smooth rides because the gear selector changes and selects gears as they drive. This significantly adds to the appeal of a Mercedes.
Like other vehicle components, wear and tear remains the main culprit when it comes to gear selection issues. This is because wear and tear deteriorates the transmission’s valve body where the transmission fluid flows through to ensure the entire transmission system runs smoothly. When the transmission system is well-lubricated, the gear selectors will also work as they should.
If worn out, the valve body won’t allow proper flow of transmission fluid. What follows is that the gears will start becoming difficult to turn because of the low pressure in the fluid. Hydraulic pressure in the transmission fluid is what makes it possible for the selection of gears.
The other components of the transmission can also wear out and cause gear selector issues. These include cables, gears and linkages, all of which play different roles in the smooth working of the entire transmission system including the gear selector. An issue in any of these smaller parts can affect the performance of the gear selector as well.
Signs of Gear Selector Issues
When it comes to selecting gears in Mercedes models, any slight change will be noticeable in the driving experience. This is why even the gear selector issues will have some noticeable signs that will be a result of the problem.
The first thing that you’ll likely notice is that your car will have rough, hesitant gear changes. The gears will experience a delay before kicking in after you change them as opposed to the usual immediate engagement that Mercedes is known for. This hesitation will also be noticeable when you try to engage the reverse gears.
Another sign of gear selector issues in Mercedes is that the gears will start slipping. This is when your Mercedes drops to a lower gear without warning especially when you’re accelerating. This can be dangerous in some cases such as if you were driving on a busy highway. You need to know you can rely on your gears to change at will.
Unusual noises are yet another sign of gear selector issues. These noises often come from the worn out smaller parts that make up the transmission system. The wearing results from low transmission fluid levels which increase friction between the moving parts causing them to fall apart. These loose and broken off bits are what make clunking noises that you can hear when accelerating because they bump against the moving parts as you drive.
Where to Fix Gear Selector Issues
When driving your car, it’s important to know that you’re in control of every single aspect of your vehicle. This is why a hesitant gear change can be scary if you’re on a busy highway or when you’re trying to overtake.
When you notice any signs of gear selector issues in your Mercedes, the first thing you should do is get the help of a reputable auto-mechanic. An auto-mechanic that specializes in luxury brands, such as Mercedes, is your best bet of getting the right diagnosis and repair.
At Import Car Center, we take pride in offering high quality servicing, repairs and maintenance to many different European car drivers in Colleyville, Keller, Southlake, Westlake and Grapevine, TX. We are available to help drivers to continue enjoying high-quality drives without gear selector issues. Visit our shop today and our team of technicians will sort out your car issues quickly and affordably.