JERKING AUTOMATIC-BOX
I have a 2005 Mercedes-Benz 220 CDI automatic. The car has done about 180 000 km and all the services were done on schedule at the Mercedes-Benz dealership. Recently, on cold mornings, the gear-change has jerked from first to second but improved as the oil heated up. On warmer days the gearbox changes smoothly from the word go.
THEO BEUKES – By e-mail
The behaviour you describe is not unusual after 180 000 km. In fact, not so many years ago many new cars used to behave like this as well when cold. Off course, if it gets worse it will be a sign that the transmission needs to be replaced by a reconditioned unit.