Gents,
I replaced the trans fluid in my G56 with Valvoline ATF+4 synthetic transmission fluid about 600 miles ago. I overfilled the trans by 1 quart. As far as I know, this is the first time it has been changed. It seemed to help smoothen out the shifts, as my tranny has always been somewhat notchy (I had hoped that the G56 would be smoother than the NV5600...not so much). However, I have noticed that ever since the temps have been dropping, the tranny shifts like teetotal crap when cold. I literally have to pull and push it out of gear. Once the fluid heats up, all is good and the shifts really lighten up. What should I be looking for? Some random ideas:
Change clutch fluid?
Check health of clutch master or slave cylinder?
Try a different transmission fluid?
Check condition of clutch?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like my truck. How many miles at the change? Shouldn't make a difference, I am just curious. My tranny has been that way since I bought the truck. It is marginally better since new, but I only have 50k on it. Reverse seems to be the worst. I almost have to stop the truck to relieve the tension on the gears to get it to pull out when it is very cold.
In general, I think you are going to find that your experience is typical. If you search the web, I think you are going to find that those who have tried different lubes have found marginal improvements at best. I think ( I think alot) that after all of your changing, testing, experimenting, you are gonna feel like you have been chasing your tail. You have to remember, even though it is a Mercedes tranny, it is still a truck tranny and it will shift like a truck tranny with syncros. Good luck.

"I had hoped......" Hope springs eternal!

EDIT: My truck seems very tight when cold. It doesn't coast like it does when it is warm. I wonder if this drag is related to the transmission shifting issue.

 

sounds like mine. you get used to it.

 

I had the same concern. I agree

 

i have the same issues with mine, its just the nature of the beast.

 

Well, I guess the news could be worse. The truck only has 62K on it. Perhaps it will smoothen out with time and wear. I think I'm still going to replace the clutch fluid, as it looks awfully dark.

 

Hmmm....

That sucks, cause I have my mind made up that if I get a new truck its gonna have a G56 in it.

Maybe it being warmer down here will not affect it so much.

 

Blake,
I can say that when my G56 is warm, which doesn't take long at road speeds, it is a rather smooth transmission considering its size and purpose. I do hate it when it's cold, but you're not going to get any better cold performance from a NV5600 and I prefer the G56 due to its firmer throw, logically placed Reverse gear, and quietness of operation.

BlackBanshee