Not sure if this has been posted before, but here goes:

From a stop, about 2 seconds after I begin moving, the tranny (or something) causes a slight lurch. With the windows down, I can hear a very quick and faint squeak or his (like a mouse). The tranny is perfect all other times. Just when leaving from a stop. Any clue what this could be?

 

If it is at 2,900 rpm it could be the supercharger clutch engaging. This could be an indication that it needs replacing as you shouldn't feel a lurch either it should be smooth. The only time I have felt it engage is if I put it in 1st gear and accelerate very slowly and as you get to 2,900 rpm you feel a short "drag" on the engine as the supercharger engages. If you accelerate normally it is so smooth you feel nothing.

 

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The mileage is nearly 11,000. If I accelerate quickly, it is less noticeable. When I accelerate slowly (let off the brake, slowly roll on the throttle) that is when I feel it. This happens only from a standing start. Yes, it kinda feels like a slight drag on the engine more than it feels like a lurch. This is the only SRT (or xfire for that matter) I've ever driven, so I'm not sure if I'm over analyzing.

 

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Will check. It doesn't really feel like the tranny is slipping, it feels like a quick drag, then all is fine.

 

Well, I did the throttle reset procedure. Seems to have worked to some degree. It happens less frequently. I also checked for leaks. None to be found. I think I'm just not used to the automatic. I've never owned an automatic. NEVER!

 

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Yep, figured that one out too. I had no idea what the W meant. What a jackass! I guess I need to read the manual a little bit.

 

Ok, so, the lurch continues. I've determined that it isn't the transmission. I put it in manual shift mode and again, it only happens when leaving from a complete stop. When accelerating slowly, at around 2500 rpms, regardless of gear, it feels and sounds almost like an AC compressor kicking on, putting a lag on the engine. It definitely sounds and feels like a load is being put on the engine. Yes, the AC was off. Accelerating quickly, this is pretty much non-existent.

"If it is at 2,900 rpm it could be the supercharger clutch engaging. This could be an indication that it needs replacing as you shouldn't feel a lurch either it should be smooth. The only time I have felt it engage is if I put it in 1st gear and accelerate very slowly and as you get to 2,900 rpm you feel a short "drag" on the engine as the supercharger engages. If you accelerate normally it is so smooth you feel nothing."

This sounds very much like what I am experiencing. Does this mean the SC clutch needs to be replaced or do others experience this?

 

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Thanks. Happens mostly in 2nd gear around 2,500 rpm. It does it in W mode as well. Pretty sure it is the SC engaging, but I think it should be smoother and not make the chirp sound. SC clutch problem maybe. I'm taking it in on Wednesday. I'll definitely mention the TSB you mentioned as well as the condensation in the headlights issue.

 

This is correct. Several MB C32/SLK32 as well as C55 owners have experienced this. The squeak is indeed the clutch on the blower. My SRT does this as well.

If these intercooler systems weren't so problematic it would be nice if we could do away with that clutch altogether.

The attached screen shot is from C32life where they say you can tighten the clutch assembly. I haven't done this yet.

 

Well, seems to be common, but it doesn't mean that it's normal. Are you just living with the problem, or are you going to take it to the dealer so they can replace the supercharger over a 2 to 3 week period?

 

What other cars out there utilize an electromagnetic clutch on a supercharger? I can't think of any off hand. This being the case I'm open to think that this is indeed normal. Plus I don't expect a clutch to engage seamlessly 100% of the time. Just think when you turn on your AC...It's going to be damn near impossible to convince the dealer that there is a problem when we took another SRT out to see if it did the same thing... it did.

 

Nope, never had a car with an electromagnetic supercharger clutch. I just read a bunch of horror stories about superchargers being replaced due to SC clutch problems.

Ok, I think I'll just drive it until something really goes wrong with it. No sense in over analyzing anything. I feel better knowing that other cars on here are doing the same thing. Thanks!

 

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Thought this was an interesting solution to the chirp sound. This is from a MB forum dealing with E55 AMG blowers. They use similar electromagnetic S/C clutches.

http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/sho...threadid=68342