Omillett

Hello all - forgive my ignorance. I recently imported a 230SLK from Japan to Papua New Guinea where I work. I have limited access to mechanical expertise - there are mechanics here, but their diagnostic work is crazy expensive and I would rather have some confidence I know what is going on before taking the car in.


The vehicle is in very good condition, with 95k kms, automatic. I have triggered 'limp mode' once or twice - usually after I lose traction in some loose gravel or something.


However today, the vehicle is either stuck in 'limp mode' or will not shift up out of 1st gear. It starts fine, runs fine, but will not shift. I drove it carefully at no more than 40km/h hitting about 3000-3500rpm. I tried moving the transmission selector from 'S' to 'W'. I tried turning off the traction control and restarting. I tried turning off and on the speed limiter. I tried shifting by moving the gear selector to the right, but that didn't work.


At no time have I heard / felt anything go wrong - other than the occasional trip into 'limp mode', always associated with a little loss of traction.


Anyone with any advice would be much appreciated. I really enjoy this little car, and I hope there is nothing much wrong with it.

leapyfish

If the car is in limp home mode you need to have the diagnostic code(s) read.