Well, if it's not one thing it's another.


I've been noticing for the past couple of days that my SRT is doing this thing when I start off in first gear, mostly after it's been sitting a couple of hours, but it can do it at any time really.


Basically I start to go and I feel a "lurch" from the transmission that ALMOST feels like it has shifted up to 2nd gear too quickly after takeoff, but upon checking the dash display in manual mode, if it's definitely still in first when this happens. I also noticed that very occasionally I feel a tiny lurch at cruising speeds also like the car has experienced a sudden throttle input.


Hopefully I'm making sense, anyone experienced odd trans behaviors or have any idea what might be going on? Car has 26k now.

I've heard alot of you guys say this is the best transmission you've ever had, but for me it is just as erratic as every other MB trans I've ever experienced (not sure if this is an MB or a ZF though).

 

Have you tried a "Throttle Reset"? It has changed the behavior of my shifting each time I've done it.

 

I haven't had this issue, but with other automatic cards that I've owned, that's a good indicator that the fluid is low. Of course, you can't check the tranny fluid level in the Crossfire. Have you noticed any leak? A common problem with our transmissions is the seal where some sensor plugs in goes bad, and it leaks. There's a TSB on it, and should be under warranty. I've already had mine fixed. I wouldn't have noticed the leak - it's very slow - except that I had my car in storage, and it had a puddle under it when I got it out.

 

Tom is right. I would bet the fluid is low. Take it in and have them check it.

 

You know what guys, I have suspected the low fluid issue for some time now since as mentioned above our cars have the leak problem. I've never had a chance to leave the car sitting for more than a day or so I haven't noticed any leaks on the ground, but I think that may be a possibility and I'll need to have it checked out.

I'll see if I can do the reset as well.

Thanks!
Ian.

 

When a tranny or a oil leak occurs I have always been concerned that it may not show up right away if at all due to the full belly pan under our engines. (more under the engine than the tranny)
Although I have a na Crossfire I assume we all share the same pan underneath.

 

If it doesn't turn out to be a leak,
try the throttle reset for the 1st gear-starting out -lurching problem. For the lurch at cruising speed, mine dissappeared after replacing the intercooler pump, and I've read that it solved the problem for others.

 

Well, if it helps, mine does the same thing you describe exactly. I've had it checked and the fluid is fine and there on no leaks of any kind. Mine has done this since I bought it a year ago. I've put 16,000+ miles on it and tracked the car often and had no issues. I was told it was just the more aggressive program of the SRT. It's obviously not all that "refined" like most Benz engines. It's a beast and I guess it's just a side effect of that. I do know that it is directly related to the "throttle by wire". I've been told a Sprint Bosster will solve this issue. I haven't bought one yet, so I can't verify it. I have had some varied success with the throttle reset procedure. I do the reset once a week and it does help, but not completely cure the issue.

Some cars do it, and some don't. That's about all I know. I haven't had any mechanical issues and the car runs as good as it always has... I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. It can be annoying, but I don't think it has any issues associated with this characteristic.

 

I've heard the IC Pump will cure it, but I haven't done it yet to verify it. I plan on doing the IC Pump and Sprint Booster in the next month. I'll report back.

 

I tried the throttle reset and it smoothed out somewhat, but the little lurch as soon as I step on the gas pedal from a stop is still there occasionally.

More than anything I just want to figure out what the hell it is. My best guess is that it's some sort of driveline lash somewhere if it isn't the transmission actually kicking down a gear which is exactly what it feels like.

 

I have the same thing, just a small jump as I go on the gas after initial startup. I think it's just the electronic throttle "waking up". Doesn't really bother me that much.

 

My SRT is doing this thing where if you're idling and then you give it a failry good step of gas, it sort of hesitates and then jerks and takes off. It's hard for me to tell if this is the same issue others in this thread are describing but if you have or have had a similar episode, let me know!

 

Guys, its the supercharger clutch engaging. Let me guess it happens just below 3000 RPM. If you romp on it from a stop it doesn't happen does it?

 

^^^^^^^^ Mine does...

 

Well no, on mine this happens with very little accelerator travel. Like say I BACK out of a parking space, put it in drive, then just as my foot begins to travel down the pedal theres a LURCH, or blip or something in the throttle. Just a little tap then it goes, but its no where near 3k at that point, probably not even 1000. Like I said, it feels like a little kick down.

 

Mine does the same thing. I'm not too concerned about it. Seems to be part of the strange throttle response that people complain about with these car. Hence the Sprint Booster being so popular.

 

I agree. It's probably just an issue with the slow throttle response thing.

 

Anyone have any new input on this?
I never felt this in the n/a but the srt does it.
If I manually put the trans into first gear it does this. Only when at part throttle in first gear.
Feels like the trans hunts for a gear for a second then it is fine.
If I roll into the throttle it stops right away.

 

I thought the SC clutch engaged at 1300 RPM?

 

Someone mention my name?