I just got a call from my dealer after the tech worked on my car and this is what I was told:

Everything that is happening with my car is NORMAL!!!.

So anyone experiencing the below problems, don't worry, because its all normal:

• Hard shifting in low gears
• Lack of power when at a stop, even though you might be mashing in the gas pedal like pedal to the metal

So if you fear for your life when you're in the middle of an intersection and your car won't move, don't worry because its normal. If you feel like you're getting whiplash when driving in automatic while the car goes through the first three gears, don't worry because that is also normal.

I do believe that Chrysler has a problem with this car and they can't fix it nor isolate the problem... so its easier for them to just say its all normal.

I will say right now I am so disgusted with Chrysler right now that I'm going to take my car to a Mercedes dealer... I mean, hello! Logic would tell me if someone can't fix the problem or even isolate it, go to the people that actually manufactured this engine and get someone that is trained to work on this engine. But it gets better, I'll have to pay for my car to be checked out at Mercedes because DC will not extend that option to me.

What sucks is that my hands are tied... and I just feel like crying right now...

 

Sharon, that does indeed suck. What was the tech's recommendation? I know you're tpissed and arm-chair quarterbacks like us will not help you feel better, but heck, you deserve to have a car that runs like a new car!

Don't give up the fight. Contact your local omnisbudman that helps people with these kinds of consumer issues. No doubt, Chyrsler does not want bad publicity about their products and service. Take it to the Mercedes dealership and keep all your receipts and inform them of your saga with this car. Perhaps they can clue the technicians at your dealership.

I thought they had assured you that the car would be fixed or replaced. You have a problem that is definitely safety related and that fact alone is reason enough to stay in their face about it. I'm so sorry!

 

Thanks...

I have already come up with a game plan when I talk to the Chrysler rep in Orlando. Its either take this car and give me a new one, give me a full refund or I'll contact an attorney and let them handle it for me.

And what would really suck for Chrysler? This thread has a LOT of people that are experiencing some of the same problems, on different levels, so I am sure any attorney would love to get their hands on something like this.

I don't want to go that route but at the same time, for me to be told its all normal is complete and utter BS.

And the tech did not offer me any other ideas because, get this, I'm not allowed to talk directly to the tech... its a DC policy when they send someone to look at a car under final notice!! I can't talk to the guy that tells me all of this is normal? I'm supposed to take it for face value?

Yeah, I am peeved and have my guns loaded... if they want a fight, I'll give them one... and you are right, they don't want negative press. As much as I am passionate about this car, that passion can turn into something else pretty quick.

 

Sharon...as the commercial says ...ask Dr. Z!!!

 

So, from what I remember...the tech guy was coming out to check out your car and then if it couldn't be fixed, he was going to proceed with a replacement...or at any rate, make sure the problem was gone. So, you hand your car over to this guy and he says the car is normal?

That is bs! When you mentioned talking to your dealer in Orlando, do they concur that there is an issue with the transmission but don't know what to do? There must be someone above this tech guy. Find out who. I know you've talked about starting the lemon law process. Does that have to mean that the car maker and consumer both agree that the car was built with unrepairable defects? If only one party (consumer) thinks there's an issue, then the consumer is out of luck? Sounds like a conflict in interest to me. I'd call consumer relations back at Chrysler and unleash your demons.

Crap, Sharon, I want you to be happy with your car and love it as much as I love mine...it's sick and Chrysler is responsible under the warranty alone!

 

I would ask Dr Z if I was you, If yall don't know it the guy on the commercial "Dr Z" Is the BOSS ! He is not an actor. He was in charge of the division I work with and if you get word to him he will respond. The problem will be getting past the guards.

 

This is why you don't take your car to get serviced at the Chrysler dealer, they don't know jack sh*t about crossfires, take it to a Mercedes garage and have them check it out.

Sounds like the auto tranny computer isn't calibrated, could be holding open circuit solenoids too long or what ever?? Probably just needs a reprogramming or a reboot...

 

I will contact Dr. Z and see what he says... and if I do get a response then I will share with you guys.

Also, I just talked to my contact in Orlando and seems the District Manager came to see my car, test drove it yesterday (think they replaced my gas?)and ALSO deemed my car to be normal. Seems that he drives a Crossfire Roadster, too, and experiences the same problems and calls them normal, too. Interesting, eh? But they closed the books on my problem because he says its normal. So, unless I can come up with solid proof that can be witnessed by someone at the dealer then its over... guess that means I need to install cameras in my car and tape myself driving so they can have documented proof of my problems?

And Stacey, regarding your comment about the Lemon Law... I can't do diddly squat because they say my car is fine!!! They have to physically find a problem and then say there is a problem. If I were to do anything, it would now all be all out of pocket and getting an attorney involved. And trust me, I am not giving up on that!

I'm going to get the car later today and will drive the MB dealer right up the street and see if I can talk to anyone there. I mean, I might be able to get someone to at least talk to me, right? Or maybe I need to go home, get my short skirt and low cut shirt before I do that to ensure I get some attention?? LOL

I just don't want to be in the middle of the road again and have my car not move while I watch a truck come straight for me... because that means one of two things are going to happen - I'd have to jump out of the car and let them hit the car or stay in the car and let them hit me in it... two wonderful options. I let DC know that if I'm in an accident related to this problem, there would be some serious repercussions for them. Which would mean I could take over Dr. Z's job and tell people the real truth, right??

Dang, all I want is a car that runs and runs good and is not a safety concern. So this is what I get for my dream car? *sigh*

 

I wrote this to Dr. Z:Anyone want to make any bets that I will not get a response???
Sharon

 

With regard to the hard shifting problem you're having. Chrylser issued TSB 21-001-05 on January 6, 2005. The category is "Transmission" and involves lubricating the spline shaft in the transmission. This may or may not be the problem you are experiencing, but will at least let them know you're on top of your game and expect them to investigate these problems. I hope it helps.
Photos of this TSB are posted in Alohaxfire's gallery listed in the following link:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/galle...00/ppuser/9591
Mention this TSB to your dealers service manager.
This is the BEST Forum! Good luck.

 

You're right - this IS the best forum and I've learned so much from so many of you!! I can't say thanks enough to everyone who offers suggestions because I'm holding on to the hope that one of them works.

And I looked at the service recall and you can bet your sweet patooty that I'm printing all those pages and going to have them look it up.

At this point, a little of my b with an itch mode is coming out. I know it's not the dealers fault but well, they are stuck with me because I'm stuck with this car.

Again, thanks guys!! You are awesome!

 

Does the no throttle response problem occur if you turn off the ESP? A search of the Mercedes forum indicated that similar problems have been traced to a faulty micro switch on the brake pedal activating the ESP. They indicated that the problem didn't occur if the ESP was turned off. Might help you narrow down the problem.

 

Makes me want to be a service writer...
Seriously... keep it up and don't give up. Be nice but keep the heat on, don't be to *itchy to the DSM or higher up's at DC just be clear and let them know you will not stop until they fix or replace it.
By the way did ya get any pic's from the MB dealership?

 

I was wondering if it was a throttle thing also, not a transmission issue. There's this post on the forum ... https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=11277 .

I realize it's an aftermarket product, but from what I've read it seems to eliminate the lag when you step on the throttle. Just a thought ...

I do hope things work out for you Sharon ... replacement car, refund ... whatever. I've been in your shoes, not carwise, but getting something only to have it be a dud and you're "stuck" with it.

 

Lubricating the sline shaft will do nothing for her cars tranny shifting problems. That's just a wear part.

To solve the problem she will have to go to the MB dealership and fork out personnel money for them to reprogram the tranny computer.

If she really wants to see what is normal for the Crossfire, she should find an automatic SLK 320 on the dealer lot, give it a drive and that should answer everyone's questions as to what is normal...

 

Then she should let MB fix the problem and send her bill to the head of Chrysler...Dr. Z or whatever his name is and explain exactly what she's had to go through. That might be cheaper, in the long run, than hiring a lawyer. I'm guessing that the Chrysler corporation has some legal eagles on their payroll...but, if MB finds a problem that they can fix and her car is restored to the way it should drive with documentation on the repair, one might think they would consider footing that bill over the bad publicity that would happen if Sharon takes it to the media and makes her case to the higher ups...just a thought...MB might be able to direct the Techs at Chrysler what the problems are, too. She's been patient enough following their lead...time to stop playing so "nice"...and hey, Sharon, put on that short skirt and low cut top and use all the charm you can muster! Just arriving in that gorgeous car will turn heads not to mention the service people at MB.

 

Thanks guys... and being a non-technical person, I would have to have someone that knows what you are talking about to come with me, like a man that's a mechanic - anyone in the Tampa area want to take that one?

I did, by the way, file a complaint with NHTSA, Consumer Affairs as well as sent an email to a Consumer Attorney at a local TV station that is know to get results. I figure if I can get some pressure put on them from a safety perspective they will see that I am serious and I mean to get results instead of being told "its normal".

I've been very patient in hopes that this weeks appointment would get me good results but alas, that did not happen... so some of the b with an itch mode has to come out if I'm going to get anyone to really listen to me and my concern. I know how to do that with just enough without being labeled a problem child.

So wish me luck as I head out to get my car and head over the MB dealer. And trust me, if they tell me they can fix it, I'll be on the phone with DC and raise a stink.

All I know is that something has to give and I am not going to back down with this after dealing with this problem since early April!!

Thanks again everyone!

 

Yo Sharon, did you try recalibrating your throttle to get rid of that hesitation problem? I believe the combination is:

1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.

2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.

3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.

4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.

If this doesn't work I will have to go back to the books and review the procedure...
The ECU reset procedure only erases the ADAPTIVE transmission & throttle settings. It does not erase any of the fuel/timing or other programming

This may also get rid of your tranny issues, by erasing the adaptive programming and rebooting.
One reason your cars computer got this way is because you might drive long continuous distance and at steady speeds. Like all German cars (and German women, lol), you must be aggressive with them, you should flog it several times a day, just so the computer doesn't get lazy.

 

I got your note last time to try this but did not want to try anything before the tech looked at my car in case it screwed something else up but I am so giving this a shot. At this point, I am desperate to try anything!!!

And something interesting happened when I talked to the MB Service Manager - he's actually going to look in their database to see if any of their SLK's had anything remotely similar to what I have been experiencing in an attempt to help me fix my car.

He even said it sounds more like an electrical issue. And what might have helped me? He said he loves this car and thinks anyone that spends money on an SLK when they can get German ingenuity for less is crazy. Gotta love it! And I did not even need to wear a short skirt or low cut shirt to get that info! LOL

So I'm trying everything I can... and anything is worth trying!! Thanks!!

And PS, I drive this car short and hard and long and hard... I mean, that IS why I got it!! *grin*

 

don't worry you won't hurt anything, except for the chrysler technician's pride.