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W203: Automatic transmission does not shift (code P1856)
Hello everyone
I need urgent help with my 2001 W203 C200CDI 5 speed automatic transmission. The car's done 377000km / 235k miles.
The transmission is stuck in 5th gear and refuses to go back to park once D is engaged, also the display doesnt show current gear or w/s symbols and the manual operation does not work.
Star states: P1856 - selector lever module position detection has failed (rough translation)
How this can be fixed? Is the module gearshifter assembly itself or is it smaller module attached to shifter or maybe somewhere else? The Siemens box under the carpet in passenger footwell is dry and nice so it should be ok.
My gearshifter has part number A2032672524 and ebay finds 2 different parts..
Forgot my thread, the problem is solved and just posting DIY here in case somebody else runs into same problem. My problem was the broken electronic shifter module (ESM) and was quoted $1300 to fix it. I bought used ESM from Ebay for $130.
WIS recommends to lift the car up, but I did from the drivers seat.
Part number 10 is the one we replacing.
1. Remove center console, excellent video can be found @
Now your interior should look something like this...
2. Unscrew the shifter 3 bolts, unplug 3 electrical connectors. No need to remove housing, picture just for those who wonder what is inside
3. Next part is a bit tricky. Part number 19 has to be removed from the lever which is connected to shift rod. The part has been re-designed (I guess for facelifts 2005-2007) so make sure which type of clip you have. The other one can be re-used, the other completely replaced
Keep gear in park P because then you can lift the rod+clip high enough to unclip it. My clip was older type so I pried it out and put it back, bushings seemed fine so did not replace them.
Hi, I know this was an old post, hopefully you reply. I started running into the same problem and am looking to replace the esm. My concern is that everybody keeps telling me that I will need to "recode" this part. Is this the case?
I had a look in EPC and WIS. At some point during the production, the ESM becomes "theft relevant part" (no idea what truly it means). BUT the Workshop Instructions never mention anything about recoding even for 7-speed ESM or even the newer W204 C-Classe.
I would suggest you to follow up the video of center console removal and check your ESM part number, it is not a hard task and you dont need to remove the unit. Then compare to this list I'm attaching.
Every single one of them before the last item ending 90 24 should work as plug & play. I replaced my old unit with the same used one (A 203 267 25 24) with no issues.
I am really not sure would it work as easily in case you happen to have the latest 90 24 version of the ESM
The list is from the oldest -> latest order. Mine was pretty early/mid production unit. Report your findings and lets see what can be done
I am having the same problem with mines as well and come to find out that I have to replace the Whole shifter cause it is a dealer item only due to they shifters are programed to that specific car only and the part runs about $1100 and it needs to be reprogrammed once its been replaced. You will have to buy a new one due to it is coded for you car only so there is no point in getting a used one. Shifter
Part Number: 220-267-33-24. https://www.benzpartswholesale.com/?...str=2202670924
Hi do you mean all the photos? I can see everything in post #3? Only one photo is missing in post #1 from ebay, its the same green shifter unit than in post #3
In case you dont see anything, i could re-send to them to you?
08-10-2014, 06:22 PM
