MY SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN PARK SOMETIMES

G_KATS · 07-14-2009, 12:01 AM

Is this bad ? theres days where its fine and then theres days where i have to shake it too bring it down too Drive .

To remove this ad, register today or login if you already are registered!

rsr911 · 07-14-2009, 08:59 AM

Sounds like the switch for the break pedal is failing. This switch tells the shifter it is safe to move from park to drive.

OUTCAST · 07-14-2009, 09:08 AM

Mine did the same thing so I took it to the MB dealer. They had to replace the whole shifting assembly.

BeltFedBob · 07-14-2009, 09:33 AM

Try pushing a little harder on the brake when moving the shifter from park to drive.

G_KATS · 07-14-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OUTCAST

Mine did the same thing so I took it to the MB dealer. They had to replace the whole shifting assembly.

wow!! wat did that cost you ?

sikhkd · 07-14-2009, 07:46 PM

Reminds me of the time when I was trying to go from drive to park and it wouldn't do it.. until I realized by cell phone was in the way

could be a major transmission problem or a simple brake switch fix

valgehiir · 07-14-2009, 10:19 PM

Hi, my 03 sl55 had the same problem 2 years ago.
Shifter would not move from P, stroking brakes repeatedly usually helped and I always got the shifter to move, even if sometimes it took a minute or so. Then one day it just would not move, after 15 minutes of vigourous stroking I called a tow truck, friend of mine at Tallinn MB dealership sorted it out in less than an hour.. it was the switch at break.
Cost was minimal, they cleaned the switch since there was no replacement in stock, guy told me to come back and replace the switch if this was to happen again. It has been 2 summers now, everything is fine, never replaced the switch.

DAGREEKNYC · 07-14-2009, 11:12 PM

MY OLD 2004 CLK AND E430 DID THE SAME .I REALIZED AFTERWARDS EVER TIME I GOT THE CAR FULLY DETAILED IT WOULD HAPPEN . WATER WOULD GET INTO A MODULE AND SHORT IT OUT .

G_KATS · 07-15-2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valgehiir

Hi, my 03 sl55 had the same problem 2 years ago.
Shifter would not move from P, stroking brakes repeatedly usually helped and I always got the shifter to move, even if sometimes it took a minute or so. Then one day it just would not move, after 15 minutes of vigourous stroking I called a tow truck, friend of mine at Tallinn MB dealership sorted it out in less than an hour.. it was the switch at break.
Cost was minimal, they cleaned the switch since there was no replacement in stock, guy told me to come back and replace the switch if this was to happen again. It has been 2 summers now, everything is fine, never replaced the switch.

where is the break switch located ???

valgehiir · 07-15-2009, 01:10 AM

Sadly, I do not know. I do know where the gear shifter is located, if that would be of any help!

Thank you!

TopEndS62 · 07-15-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G_KATS

where is the break switch located ???

I would think it should be under the brake pedal.. i could be wrong

mig1980 · 07-15-2009, 01:32 PM

I had the same thing happen to me but with me I waited until the last minute and the car finally give out and would not shift out of park at all. This happened at the grocery store. I had the car towed to MB and they ended replacing the entire shifter. I had warranty but parts and labor were about $700 or so.

They told me it is a silonoid switch in the shifter that is due to a bad design of the shifter which does release when it senses the parking brake pressed. It stopped working. They also said the new shifter would eventually have the same problem in about 5-7 years which is rediculous to me. According to the dealer the design was not chnaged on the new shifter assembly at all.

OUTCAST · 07-15-2009, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G_KATS

wow!! wat did that cost you ?

I will look at the paperwork when I get home from work. I have all the paperwork for anything that is done or I buy for the car.

Rick SL55 · 07-15-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopEndS62

I would think it should be under the brake pedal.. i could be wrong

Yes is under the brake pedal. The switch is cheap.

G_KATS · 07-16-2009, 04:02 AM

well just now i was playing with the break pedal and shifter and i can hear a sound everytime i press the break .... like a clicking sound, CLICK!!! it works .... i press the break again, CLICK!!! it works again ..... then i push the break again NO CLICK ... doesnt move . till i hear the CLICK! thats when it always works ...

Also i notice when i hold the shifter more too the right and dont let it sit towards the left side of the track, it works PERFECT. the minute i let it sit on the left side in PARK the shifter then has problems clicking . I kinda figured out how to make it always work .. but im scared if i do take this benz for a long distance trip and it doesnt work. then im screwed ... ugh!!!

this is my 1st real problem since buying the car lastyear .

TopEndS62 · 07-16-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G_KATS

but im scared if i do take this benz for a long distance trip and it doesnt work. then im screwed ... ugh!!!

this is my 1st real problem since buying the car lastyear .

Yeah I would feel the same exact way!!! Go get it checked out maybe by a independent mercedes tech in your area. This has also happened to my boy with a sl55 in his case they changed the whole shifter assembly. It seems 50/50 on the switch and 50/50 on the assembly. whatever it is, you should deal with it asap, you would hate for an emergency situation to occur and you can't make moves... good luck with it.....`

G_KATS · 07-20-2009, 06:24 PM

so i went in too see wat was wrong..... they hooked my car up too a computer and it said my shifter box was shot . so now i have to replace my whole shifter. its gonna cost me 1200 .

TopEndS62 · 07-21-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G_KATS

so i went in too see wat was wrong..... they hooked my car up too a computer and it said my shifter box was shot . so now i have to replace my whole shifter. its gonna cost me 1200 .

ouch!!! is that parts and labor???

G_KATS · 07-21-2009, 04:37 PM

ya all together ..... tommorow i get the car and next week i pick up my new rims .

NHSL55 · 07-31-2009, 07:51 PM

Yeah, I had an SL500 before I had my SL55, same issue. Plastic ring on inside of shifter broke.....wouldn't happen if they put a better one there,

$10 part....$561 labor...

My SL55 has a warranty to prevent such random issues now

roberthechter · 08-01-2009, 03:28 AM

Just push on the brake pedal first, before you try to move the shifter

MrStyle25 · 11-04-2009, 05:04 PM

My CL55 AMG is in the Dealership right now, they called back and said it was the Shifter Assembly and it needs to be replaced. Approximately $1,100.00, they are calling my warranty company now, it should be a covered component. I've had the car a month and day and it's been in the shop every week for something. last time was 1,000 in labor, $80 for 6 parts, including belt. Their labor is ridiculous. Since they didn't know how to install my bluetooth module I am nervouse they are just replacing parts versus making a real diagnosis. I hope there are no loopholes in my extended warranty, they ahve got to hate they sold me one!

jctevere · 06-16-2010, 12:08 AM

I am having the same problem on my r230 SL500 right now. Takes me like 20 tries to get it out of park. I hear that it could be the solenoid in the shifter, the plastic piece that breaks, or the brake pedal switch. Why would the car have 2 things to tell the brake is depressed. If it was the brake pedal switch this would mean that the taillights would not go on, correct? If it was the solenoid, the brake lights would go on, but the car shifter will still not shift out of park? I will diagnose the problem later.

However, does anyone have a DIY or pictures for replacing either? Thanks so much!

nylefty31 · 06-17-2010, 08:42 AM

Just picked my sl up yesterday from mb service. I was having the same problem where it kept getting stuck in park until one night when out to dinner it totaly locked and would not come out no matter what i tried(pushing brake harder,hammer,etc. So what I did was order the plastic gear select lever and attempted to replace it myself. The problem is the car needs to be in neutral to remove the console, So i cut the stem of the shifter with plans to have it welded. Once the console was removed you need to remove 3 screws holding the shifter, that are in awkward positions. I ended up stripping one, by then i was fed up and sent it to MB. I have a hook there where i was charged $500 for a whole new shifter and installation since MB does not change the plastic piece inside. I would definitly address the problem asap before it locks in park and not only will the shifter be stuck but you as well. Good luck

damian155 · 06-17-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G_KATS

Is this bad ? theres days where its fine and then theres days where i have to shake it too bring it down too Drive .

decided not to sell your 55?

07-14-2009, 08:59 AM	#2
rsr911 MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,197 Drives: 2003 AMG SL55, 2002 AMG CLK55, 2005 ML350, 1995 S320 LWB - totaled	Sounds like the switch for the break pedal is failing. This switch tells the shifter it is safe to move from park to drive. __________________ 2003 AMG SL55 2002 AMG CLK55 2005 ML350 AMG Orphans Club International member #5 Mercedes Benz Owner's Gun Club, Member #26 1995 S320 LWB (totaled 5/25/09) 2003 C240 4matic (sold) 1986 Porsche 911 (sold) 2002 Subaru WRX (track car) (sold) 1999 230 SLK (sold) 1973 450 SL (sold) 1973 450SLC (sold) "Time is too precious to keep it on an inexpensive watch"

07-14-2009, 09:08 AM	#3
OUTCAST Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 400 Drives: SLK55AMG, SL600	Mine did the same thing so I took it to the MB dealer. They had to replace the whole shifting assembly. __________________ Capo regime Interior Highlands (member #13)

07-14-2009, 07:46 PM	#6
sikhkd Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 220 Drives: AMG	Reminds me of the time when I was trying to go from drive to park and it wouldn't do it.. until I realized by cell phone was in the way could be a major transmission problem or a simple brake switch fix __________________ Vimeo

07-31-2009, 07:51 PM	#20
NHSL55 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NH Posts: 14 Drives: SL55 amg	shifty Yeah, I had an SL500 before I had my SL55, same issue. Plastic ring on inside of shifter broke.....wouldn't happen if they put a better one there, $10 part....$561 labor... My SL55 has a warranty to prevent such random issues now

11-04-2009, 05:04 PM	#22
MrStyle25 Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: U S A Posts: 48 Drives: CL55 AMG	My CL55 AMG is in the Dealership right now, they called back and said it was the Shifter Assembly and it needs to be replaced. Approximately $1,100.00, they are calling my warranty company now, it should be a covered component. I've had the car a month and day and it's been in the shop every week for something. last time was 1,000 in labor, $80 for 6 parts, including belt. Their labor is ridiculous. Since they didn't know how to install my bluetooth module I am nervouse they are just replacing parts versus making a real diagnosis. I hope there are no loopholes in my extended warranty, they ahve got to hate they sold me one! __________________ _____________________ Zoom Zoom!!

07-14-2009, 09:33 AM	#4
BeltFedBob Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mukilteo in summer, Fountain Hills during the rainy season in Wa. Posts: 373 Drives: 2008 Maserati QP EGT, 2005 SL55AMG , 2002 CLK55AMG 2002 C230K Coupe	Try pushing a little harder on the brake when moving the shifter from park to drive.

07-14-2009, 10:19 PM	#7
valgehiir Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tallinn, Estonia Posts: 9 Drives: SL55 SL600 BMW850	Hi, my 03 sl55 had the same problem 2 years ago. Shifter would not move from P, stroking brakes repeatedly usually helped and I always got the shifter to move, even if sometimes it took a minute or so. Then one day it just would not move, after 15 minutes of vigourous stroking I called a tow truck, friend of mine at Tallinn MB dealership sorted it out in less than an hour.. it was the switch at break. Cost was minimal, they cleaned the switch since there was no replacement in stock, guy told me to come back and replace the switch if this was to happen again. It has been 2 summers now, everything is fine, never replaced the switch.

07-14-2009, 11:12 PM	#8
DAGREEKNYC MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ny Posts: 1,169 Drives: 2013 S350 Bluetec	MY OLD 2004 CLK AND E430 DID THE SAME .I REALIZED AFTERWARDS EVER TIME I GOT THE CAR FULLY DETAILED IT WOULD HAPPEN . WATER WOULD GET INTO A MODULE AND SHORT IT OUT .

07-15-2009, 01:10 AM	#10
valgehiir Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tallinn, Estonia Posts: 9 Drives: SL55 SL600 BMW850	Sadly, I do not know. I do know where the gear shifter is located, if that would be of any help! Thank you!

07-15-2009, 01:32 PM	#12
mig1980 Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 430 Drives: 2003 SL55, 2006 CLK500, 1998 Vette	I had the same thing happen to me but with me I waited until the last minute and the car finally give out and would not shift out of park at all. This happened at the grocery store. I had the car towed to MB and they ended replacing the entire shifter. I had warranty but parts and labor were about $700 or so. They told me it is a silonoid switch in the shifter that is due to a bad design of the shifter which does release when it senses the parking brake pressed. It stopped working. They also said the new shifter would eventually have the same problem in about 5-7 years which is rediculous to me. According to the dealer the design was not chnaged on the new shifter assembly at all.

07-16-2009, 04:02 AM	#15
G_KATS Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 356 Drives: SL 55 AMG	well just now i was playing with the break pedal and shifter and i can hear a sound everytime i press the break .... like a clicking sound, CLICK!!! it works .... i press the break again, CLICK!!! it works again ..... then i push the break again NO CLICK ... doesnt move . till i hear the CLICK! thats when it always works ... Also i notice when i hold the shifter more too the right and dont let it sit towards the left side of the track, it works PERFECT. the minute i let it sit on the left side in PARK the shifter then has problems clicking . I kinda figured out how to make it always work .. but im scared if i do take this benz for a long distance trip and it doesnt work. then im screwed ... ugh!!! this is my 1st real problem since buying the car lastyear .

07-20-2009, 06:24 PM	#17
G_KATS Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 356 Drives: SL 55 AMG	so i went in too see wat was wrong..... they hooked my car up too a computer and it said my shifter box was shot . so now i have to replace my whole shifter. its gonna cost me 1200 .

07-21-2009, 04:37 PM	#19
G_KATS Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto Ontario Canada Posts: 356 Drives: SL 55 AMG	ya all together ..... tommorow i get the car and next week i pick up my new rims .

08-01-2009, 03:28 AM	#21
roberthechter Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 23 Drives: 2006 SL55 AMG	Just push on the brake pedal first, before you try to move the shifter

06-16-2010, 12:08 AM	#23
jctevere MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dix Hills, New York Posts: 2,068 Drives: 2012 C250 Coupe	I am having the same problem on my r230 SL500 right now. Takes me like 20 tries to get it out of park. I hear that it could be the solenoid in the shifter, the plastic piece that breaks, or the brake pedal switch. Why would the car have 2 things to tell the brake is depressed. If it was the brake pedal switch this would mean that the taillights would not go on, correct? If it was the solenoid, the brake lights would go on, but the car shifter will still not shift out of park? I will diagnose the problem later. However, does anyone have a DIY or pictures for replacing either? Thanks so much!

06-17-2010, 08:42 AM	#24
nylefty31 Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: new york Posts: 39 Drives: 2004 sl500	Just picked my sl up yesterday from mb service. I was having the same problem where it kept getting stuck in park until one night when out to dinner it totaly locked and would not come out no matter what i tried(pushing brake harder,hammer,etc. So what I did was order the plastic gear select lever and attempted to replace it myself. The problem is the car needs to be in neutral to remove the console, So i cut the stem of the shifter with plans to have it welded. Once the console was removed you need to remove 3 screws holding the shifter, that are in awkward positions. I ended up stripping one, by then i was fed up and sent it to MB. I have a hook there where i was charged $500 for a whole new shifter and installation since MB does not change the plastic piece inside. I would definitly address the problem asap before it locks in park and not only will the shifter be stuck but you as well. Good luck

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: