1999 C230k won't engage park
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
2002 C32 AMG/1999 C230k
1999 C230k won't engage park
So I've been searching and haven't found anything. When I put the shifter in park sometimes it will engage park, other times it will roll a bit and then click into park, and other times it will not engage park at all and roll away like it's in neutral. I worked at Mercedes before, and I have another c230k, and a c32 AMG and have never seen this before. All other gears and shifter functions are ok. The shifter linkage bushings are brand new Mercedes, and I tried adjusting the linkage. None of those things have made any impact on the park issue. I'm going to be dropping the pan for a service and a new filter, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what to look for inside the trans. I'm pretty familiar with the 722.6 as I replaced some solenoids on my c32. But I've never had a car not engaging park. And it's not like the parking pawl is broken because sometimes it goes right into park and clicks like it's supposed to... I don't know... scratching my head over this one...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
2002 C32 AMG/1999 C230k
I'm not sure what you're referring to, but I have checked the shifter unit itself, which for park thru drive is purely mechanical. 4-3-2-1 is electronic, and all those work. I also tried adjusting the shift linkage between the shifter unit and the transmission as I said above. It made no difference at all. It must be inside the transmission.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
2002 C32 AMG/1999 C230k
Just to add an ending to this. The lever inside the transmission that engages park on the large drum was chipped off. And that’s why it wouldn’t hold park. I did try everything before hand though. Adjusting the shift linkage etc. It turned out to be inside the transmission as I suspected.
