Sojo40

Does anyone know the if the size of the ESM gear selector lever that breaks in the gear shifter that causes it to get stuck in park? They have aluminum replacement piece that gives it a more permanent fix, but they can come in 5mm, or 2 different 11mm sizes.
I need to know the size of it in a 04 cl600, if you know the size great and if you can send a pic awesome.
Thanks for all helpful posts.

Jack_88

The best thing to do is take it apart now, and measure the part you have. If you have the 11mm, you merely have to determine whether or not it's the offset one you need. Check the S-class forum for the subject, someone there may have covered it more extensively.

tusabes

There are repair kits that send you all three sizes so once you open it up you just use the part that works for you

There's really no way to tell which shifter box was installed in the car , not even by vin, so you need to open up the shifter and look

Sojo40

Ok, thanks for the info.

Sojo40

Just a quick curious follow up question, would getting the part number off of the shifter its self give the answer to the ESM lever size?
Getting access to be able to see the shifter part number is much less of a job then having to take apart everything to physically measure the piece in question.
Just a thought so please let me know.

tusabes

There's no reference guide that says which shifter has which part inside it

MB does not repair these shifters , they swap them as a whole unit so the individual pieces inside the shifter don't have their own searchable part number , and the part inside cannot be determined until you open it up

If you are stuck in park you're going to need to take your shifter out and open it up regardless . You can just remove the piece completely until you get the right size part

Sojo40

No it is it stuck in park, yet!! But it is getting very hard to get it out of park a but more each time.
I know it has to be taken apart and since this is a daily for a buddy of mine the down time was of concern but you say the piece can be removed and the shifter will work?
Obviously we would determine the size and order the correct piece but until it gets to him the shifter can be put back together and it is usable?
Will he be able to use the key to start it since the button that triggers the shifter when the brake is pressed won't be able to hit the piece since it is removed and ,vice versa, will he be able to remove the key in park since that button won't be triggered in park?
Also he will have to make sure the emergency brake is on at all times Until fully repaired?
Sorry so many questions but I know I will get them answered as this is the best Merc forum.
Much gratitude to all who help another.

Welwynnick

You don't need to open the shifter, just look at the bottom. You can see the pivoting section of the release level through a slot in the base of the shifter.

Of course, if you're stuck in park, its tricky getting the selector out.... I used a ball-headed allen key.

Nick

biker349

i had a problem with my shifter feeling funny and occasionally being hard to get out of park. the tech diagnosed it as a shifter bushing problem. it was a cheap fix and has solved the problem so far 6 months. i think there are 2 bushings that effect the shifter and i believe they are accessed from under the car. the shifter is now smooth ans doesn't hesitate coming out of park.

tusabes

You can remove the plastic piece entirely and never replace it if you want

The only difference is the car will be able to shift out of park at any time , even when the key isn't in it . There will be no more interlock if you remove the piece . That's fine for most adults who aren't going to accidentally shift out of Park .