C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Lost and need help - c55 - Transmission issue

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Old Jun 18, 2020 | 10:38 PM
  #1  
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Lost and need help - c55 - Transmission issue

Hi,

I purchased a bit of a project car, super clean but one really annoying transmission issue:

Symptoms -

Drives normal but every so often will just randomly go into limp mode and stay in a single gear - will generate 3 errors being ABS, EPS and brake.
When I check with Blue driver I get only a single code of P0720 - Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit
You can turn car off and back on and it will become normal until it randomly does it again - could be 30 seconds could be 20mins, its always random but usually on a downshift.

What I've done:

I've replaced the conductor plate / new tcu plug thing
new gearbox oil
Checked TCU - completely dry and no signs of oil
New battery as old one was very old

At a loss as what to do next? once you replace conductor plate do you need STAR to cancel P0720 code or something? could it have been one of the solenoids with the conductor plate playing up?

Trying to avoid taking it to a dealership.

Regards,

NZc55
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Old Jun 19, 2020 | 01:07 AM
  #2  
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190E, C36, C55, CLK55, ML55
You do not need to do anything in STAR when swapping conductor plates..

Specify if codes came from esp module or ecm or tcm also if possible, this code can show for either but means different things depending on which it is from.

Pretty sure the speed sensor is a part of the conductor plate on the 722.6? check all associated fuses/relays to see if anything is shorted or stuck open. I doubt it is wheel speed sensors but it is possible, and I also doubt it is solenoids from the symptoms you describe. Keeping the thread alive is your best bet for a solution so please keep updating on any testing/progress. Maybe someone will chime in with direct experience to this code and symptoms. Til then, Good Luck
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Old Jun 19, 2020 | 05:00 PM
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'02 C32 (S203)
I would check your ABS sensors. When your car sees a difference between the wheel speed (=abs sensor) and output shaft speed, it will generate an gearbox related error.
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 08:09 PM
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Hi,

Got the vehicle scanned on STAR and found the following:

P0268 - Fault is stored in component N15/3 ETC EGS Control unit (P0720)
P20CC-008 - Rough Road Detection
P2036-004 - No or incorrect CAN message from control unit n47-5 (ESP Control)
P2310 - One or more messages from control unit n47-5
P1876 - The signals sent by control unit N47-5 for the wheel speeds are the braking torque are not available on the Can bus
P2012 - The brake signal from control unit N47-5 is not available on the Can bus
C1001 - Control Unit is defective
C1000 - Check power supply

So is it safe to assume with those codes the ESP module has died? any common errors with them or how to check the circuit board before buying a new ESP?

Do all w203 ie c200 share the same ESP as the c55 if I were to replace.

Regards,

Dustin
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 08:00 AM
  #5  
amgen's Avatar
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C55 AMG T with Kleemann K2 and some stuff: 414 hp and 562 Nm :-)
A shot in the dark from me:

If we are talking about the ABS/ESP-module which is clearly visible under the hood with brakelines coming out,
there was many years ago a "bullentin" from Mercedes regarding grounding this unit. There is a groundcable
coming out of it and connecting to the fender. The bullentin recommended changing the washer against the
fender for proper contact.
Another thing can be bad connection in the big multipin contact which is connected to the module caused by
oxidation. It can if you don´t know be a bit difficult to release it. The top plastic thing have to be lifted to
release the contact in an angle..
These units a very sensible to heat, so if you run downpipes you have to protect it somehow.

Best of luck!
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Old Jun 26, 2020 | 06:12 PM
  #6  
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...
Originally Posted by NZe55
Hi,

Got the vehicle scanned on STAR and found the following:

P0268 - Fault is stored in component N15/3 ETC EGS Control unit (P0720)
P20CC-008 - Rough Road Detection
P2036-004 - No or incorrect CAN message from control unit n47-5 (ESP Control)
P2310 - One or more messages from control unit n47-5
P1876 - The signals sent by control unit N47-5 for the wheel speeds are the braking torque are not available on the Can bus
P2012 - The brake signal from control unit N47-5 is not available on the Can bus
C1001 - Control Unit is defective
C1000 - Check power supply

So is it safe to assume with those codes the ESP module has died? any common errors with them or how to check the circuit board before buying a new ESP?

Do all w203 ie c200 share the same ESP as the c55 if I were to replace.

Regards,

Dustin
Like Erik previously stated - i would recommend checking or replacing the wheel sensors before the module:


GL!

Last edited by RPB; Jun 26, 2020 at 06:45 PM.
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Old Jun 30, 2020 | 02:08 PM
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2005 C55 AMG (not stock) 2009 C63 AMG (Stock)
Had this same thing happen in mine. Spark plug wires fixed it for me
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Old Jun 30, 2020 | 02:20 PM
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I also had weird abs issues due to spark plug wires not being seated correctly on plugs. Have no idea why, but the loose connection from plug to wire was causing all kinds of weird abs lights and codes and put the car in limp mode. It’s a long shot, but if you messed with plugs or wires recently or if it needs wires could be worth checking off the box to give them a look.
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Old Mar 12, 2023 | 10:30 PM
  #9  
C55Moore's Avatar
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2006 C55 AMG
ABS/ESP/Limp mode issue solved

Originally Posted by kaixdiego
I also had weird abs issues due to spark plug wires not being seated correctly on plugs. Have no idea why, but the loose connection from plug to wire was causing all kinds of weird abs lights and codes and put the car in limp mode. It’s a long shot, but if you messed with plugs or wires recently or if it needs wires could be worth checking off the box to give them a look.
Reviving the thread to 2023… simple spark plug change (just plugs) on my 06 C55. 15 min test drive was fine. Got in the car the next morning and info center showed a brake wear indicator and “info center malfunction”. ABS light came on and car went into limp mode. Reading ALL of the posts gave me a LOT to look at. OBDII gave me a P0720 speed sensor code. Car was PERFECT for the last year until plug change. Decided to go back and check my work…..

I had the plug wires on ONE coil pack phased backwards (a/b to wrong plug) on #6. THAT WAS IT!

Swapped them to correct a/b, ran her through the ringer for 30 min on the streets and freeway and everything is clear.

Something that simple caused all that fuss🙄. Make sure u phase ur plug wires correct on ALL coil packs😂
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Old Mar 13, 2023 | 11:40 AM
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Robjr's Avatar
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2005 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG..1967 Lotus Europa..1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HCI..2020 Mercedes Benz E350
NZe55......

Regarding the "heat" sensitive issue, the 2008 CLK 63 BS has a heat shield that helps reduce the amount of heat around that unit and it fits our C55's. Note red circle that shows shield which is an easy install.

Good luck.....

Rob


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Old Apr 11, 2023 | 11:42 PM
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C55 AMG
I had this issue a few 2 months ago, the ground strap for the pump highlighted above can get corroded, just take a wire wheel to it.
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