Gem Stater

I am new to MB. C230 Kompressor. When I got it the Panoramic Sunroof was stuck open and the tranny was in limp mode. Tranny was easy. One of the connectors for the shifter light indicators was unplugged. Plugged it in and the transmission works fantastic. Panoramic sunroof is one of the most complicated things I have ever seen in my life - BUT, I prevailed and about $300 in parts it is operating again (sort of -can't seem to normalize it but, haven't had a lot time so I leave it closed). I also got a new 900CA battery

So, the car shifts "like butta" and drives GREAT. But, no PRND in the Multi-function Display (though it seems to have its own issues. Fairly bright some of the time and goes to dim or blank after I drive a while). I got an iSoft code reader off eBay and it seems to work pretty well and seems to scan every system in the car. $139.

No OBDII codes. But, I when I read the MB specific codes for the transmission I get P2315 (messages from A1 [Inst Cluster] aren't available on CAN bus) and P2600 (Voltage supply of circuit 87 under voltage). When I try to clear these codes I get an "unsuccessful" message. The posts I have found that I found on this site include those codes seem to be where a car is in limp mode or having major trans issues. I do have a few other codes that don't seem related but, I know weird things happen because all the computer stuff inter-relates in some way.

I bought a cheap WIS off eBay but, I can't get it installed/working. Haynes, as usual, is no help at all. What is circuit 87? Doesn't the PRND signal come from the tranny or shift module and go TO the Inst cluster? I have seen a few posts about the TCU connector into the transmission but, it doesn't seem like it would keep the PRND signal from going to the Inst cluster.

I would appreciate any thoughts that you smart guys might have.

LexBrett2

It's my understanding that the majority of transmission problems arise from unchanged fluid and filter, shifter unit, the 13 pin connector in valve body, or a bad conductor plate.

You might try changing the fluid and filter and replacing the 13 pin connector. This is the plug that connect valve body to automatic transmission. The gasket degrades over time, gets oil on connections, and can cause mayhem.

Just a thought!

Gem Stater

Thanks Lex. Do you have any idea which of those items you list uses "circuit 87"?

LexBrett2

Just did a search for circuit 87, and turns out it's a relay in engine compartment and/or the conductor plate: http://www.justanswer.com/mercedes/5yr8y-2003-clk320-check-engine-light-circuit-87-voltage-low.html

Have you tried disconnecting negative terminal of battery for 5 minutes to see if that clears the code??

Gem Stater

I saw that Just Answer post. But, per my post here, my codes won't reset, my MIL light is not on and my car drives great. That "answer" was for a W209 - my W203 relay/fuse box is on driver side. I removed the K relay and tested it. Seems to work perfect. The only issue I have is the Multi-Function display not showing the PRND.

Do you have the schematic that shows circuit 87?

I read another post on this Forum that talked about pin 87 for a number of components being the power source vs "circuit 87" which is an actual separate circuit. If I could get a picture of it, it would be helpful.

Thank you for taking time to respond.

Gem Stater

Can anyone confirm the identification/location of component "N15/5"

cvx

n15/5 is your electronic shifter module - esm - ie. the whole shifter assembly.

STAR would indicate if this is broken (general readers do not), I had to replace mine because it started to go bad and one of the problems was not showing gear in the dash. Other problems included random limp-modes and unable to move lever to park.

It is not hard to DIY (I have made a thread earlier) but would need to confirm with STAR and matching part numbers.

Gem Stater

Thanks so much CVX. I have already had the whole shift lever out so I know how to do it.

I am getting a couple of new codes as things move along. I now have P2313, too. But, the iCarSoft reader I got had pointed to the n15/5. I missed that at first. My wife mentioned last night that when she has driven it that the car seemed to be a little hard to put in park at times so, I guess I will try a different ESM. If I understand the cumulative interaction of the codes, the low "circuit 87" voltage would be a result of the lost signal from the ESM to the PRND indicator in the dash and not low voltage to the whole ESM (because everything else in the transmission/ESM seems to work great). Does that sound right?

Can anyone tell me if the K relay in the front SAM is what runs the whole TCU or is there another relay at the TCU that i need to check?

While I am at it, is there a source for electrical schematics and component locations for this rig without having to buy the WIS or STAR or whatever from MB?


Thanks to all who have helped.

LexBrett2

There is an outstanding DIY series for the 722.6 transmission on YouTube highly suggest you check it out:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bdt4g5jqo4E

Gem Stater

Thanks for the link, Lex. I watched the first 4 in the series. Kent has a pretty good video on sunroofs that helped when i tackled that job. His basic message there is lubrication, lubrication, lubrication. He is right about that.

I am trying to pinpoint the reason for the trouble codes I am getting. Per my post at start of this thread, unlike Kent, I don't have any OBDII codes and the car shifts and drives great. No doubt that contact plate is a job in my future but, for now I think there is something with the ESM that ain't right. I was hoping a look see at the component locations and electrical schematic would help with that but, i am not sure. The way the ECU communicates with all the components in an MB is a whole new thing for me, especially the way the components send a signal to the SAM's asking them to turn the component on. If I am not understanding that correctly, I hope someone will straighten me out. And, if someone can point me to schematics and component location diagrams, I think it would be really helpful.

Thanks again to all who have offered help.

02C240

Hi Gem,
I get the same codes from carsoft i980 and also P2602. The PRND is visible and the car drives OK.

Did you ever resolve your P2600 and P2315 codes?

Gem Stater

Since my first post above, this car has seemed to be in an evolving state of error messages. The P2315 and P2600 messages just went away for no reason I could discern. But, on the dash I did keep getting an "ESP not available" message. The strange thing is the ESP seemed to work like it was designed to and the triangle indicator light would even go on if the tires started slipping in rain or snow. I ended up changing the LCD in the dash. It was very clear when cold but would go completely black when it got the least bit warm. After I changed the LCD, the ESP message stopped showing up in the dash.

There is still no PRND on the dash though. This car has been driving and operating just fine.

Alas, today I have a new problem that I will post elsewhere.

SincityW203

Conductor plate and 13 pin connector. I have th2 722.9 found service to rebuild the conductor plate. Drop the trans pan and valvebody, the connector plate is there. Contact a repair service or buy a virgin and have it coded to your car. Had mine fixed 2 years ago by a company in San Diego . Scan and get the tcm number and error coded to verify it can be fixed. Good luck , not that hard ,new filter, specified pentosin ok. Make sure and drain the torque converter as well.there are lots available that will save you money. You will need new aluminum pan bolts, do it right, or pay again until you do. Friendly advice

Daniel Posada

Dear Gem,did you figure out the solution for the no PRND problem?

Gem Stater

This turned into a project that I had to let sit. I spent a bunch of time trying to chase things down and it seemed like I was trying to hit a moving target. I do plan to get to the bottom of the problem and will update when I do.

Daniel Posada

Oh well, thanks for answering, usually some posts stay dead! Good luck with that project! I hope one day to see this thread solved!

Lancegreen

What is the 13 pin connector called and can you get it from rock auto or where did you get it?

im running into issue where after slowing down or coming to stop, my 06 R350 would stay in 1st gear and rev up but not switch to 2nd. Shut off, turn back on, fine for a few days and then the same would happen. All of a sudden now, when coming to slow down or stop it will not accelerate at all and has to be shut off, turned back on, but will only drive normal until slowing down or stopping again. I’m thinking it could be conductor plate, sensors on there, or solenoid. Of course I’m gonna change fluid and filter but since it has to be done from bottom of car and I’m not positive that’s all it will require, I’m thinking I may want to go ahead and try replacing the solenoids while I’m in it. Of course there’s a chance that might not be it and I have to redrop everything and get the conductor plate to send in to a place that rebuilds it (if indeed it’s the tcm or sensors on the plate) so it’s still programmed to your car still.

I saw you mentioned fixing the 13 pin connector but don’t know what that’s called, at rock auto I can get the solenoids and everything to change the fluid and filter and pan gasket, but didn’t see that connector under tranny stuff.

is there anything else that could be causing the car to act this way? Any help or input is greatly appreciated. It’s a 722.9 Trans, no check engine light on, no codes being thrown on obd scanner.

C230 Sport Coup

Is GEM still around here? I would ask what is the part number on the shifter?
Mine went bad and I could not get one that was exactly correct from the picknpull and not all the connectors were correct and
I did not have the PRD display on the MFD. The dealer provided me with a list of part numbers that fit my car and eventually one came up
at the picknpull and more recently I replaced it again for a sitcking reverse selenoid. Had come across one when I didn't need it and hung on to it

C230 Sport Coup

You need to get on the R251 forum and or the W164 forum but it's not the same trans and there is no 13 pin connector.
Do a fluid change and it may solve all your problems. Yes, it a PIA. I always let the mechanic just tke care of on our 164.
I've done it on the 5 speed c230 4 or 5 times now. ALSO a PIA laying om your back. Though once I rented a lift but the guy went out of business.