Shifter stuck in park, Has anyone fixed it?Do I need to remove center console to fix?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
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CL500
Shifter stuck in park, Has anyone fixed it?Do I need to remove center console to fix?
So my shifter has been getting increasingly harder to get out of the park position and I fear it may be going bad. I did a search and found a wonderful thread on the S class with the same issue.
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...k-problem.html
Though it was quite long I read it all and I am pretty sure it is the same issue. Now I want to go about removing it but I am having some concerns because the video they posted up about taking out the shift box was on the S class and the my 2002 CL500 doesn't have the same setup to take it off. I was wondering if it was even necessary. I used this video for the CL500 to take out the radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWWj14ID3Lw
and from what i remember there was a lot of room. I am wondering do I need to even take off the rest of the center console, the armrest area ect... If I do does anyone know how? I couldnt find any screws on the side or the back of the center console like on the S class. So I am unsure how to remove the rest of it once I start taking stuff apart.
Any help from someone who has done the job already would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...k-problem.html
Though it was quite long I read it all and I am pretty sure it is the same issue. Now I want to go about removing it but I am having some concerns because the video they posted up about taking out the shift box was on the S class and the my 2002 CL500 doesn't have the same setup to take it off. I was wondering if it was even necessary. I used this video for the CL500 to take out the radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWWj14ID3Lw
and from what i remember there was a lot of room. I am wondering do I need to even take off the rest of the center console, the armrest area ect... If I do does anyone know how? I couldnt find any screws on the side or the back of the center console like on the S class. So I am unsure how to remove the rest of it once I start taking stuff apart.
Any help from someone who has done the job already would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,121
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
The S model instructions will get you thru the job. Take plenty of pics as you go along, especially the electrical connectors attaching to the Command (nav, etc.)
The only choice you have to make is whether to replace the broken plastic piece or not. I did not when I did mine. However, when you don't, the tranny can be shifted without your foot on the brake pedal which is not good if you have kids in the car at any time. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have replaced the piece with the metal one which is mentioned in several of the threads regarding this issue. Good luck!
Oh, the other option is to have your friendly stealer do the job for around $1200 to $1500. They just replace the entire shifter module which runs around $500. If they do this, you'll be back to see them several years later with the same problem as I don't believe they have eliminated the plastic piece problem.
The only choice you have to make is whether to replace the broken plastic piece or not. I did not when I did mine. However, when you don't, the tranny can be shifted without your foot on the brake pedal which is not good if you have kids in the car at any time. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have replaced the piece with the metal one which is mentioned in several of the threads regarding this issue. Good luck!
Oh, the other option is to have your friendly stealer do the job for around $1200 to $1500. They just replace the entire shifter module which runs around $500. If they do this, you'll be back to see them several years later with the same problem as I don't believe they have eliminated the plastic piece problem.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 4
From: Western New York, USA
2004 CL500
The only choice you have to make is whether to replace the broken plastic piece or not. I did not when I did mine. However, when you don't, the tranny can be shifted without your foot on the brake pedal which is not good if you have kids in the car at any time. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have replaced the piece with the metal one which is mentioned in several of the threads regarding this issue. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
CL500
The S model instructions will get you thru the job. Take plenty of pics as you go along, especially the electrical connectors attaching to the Command (nav, etc.)
The only choice you have to make is whether to replace the broken plastic piece or not. I did not when I did mine. However, when you don't, the tranny can be shifted without your foot on the brake pedal which is not good if you have kids in the car at any time. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have replaced the piece with the metal one which is mentioned in several of the threads regarding this issue. Good luck!
Oh, the other option is to have your friendly stealer do the job for around $1200 to $1500. They just replace the entire shifter module which runs around $500. If they do this, you'll be back to see them several years later with the same problem as I don't believe they have eliminated the plastic piece problem.
The only choice you have to make is whether to replace the broken plastic piece or not. I did not when I did mine. However, when you don't, the tranny can be shifted without your foot on the brake pedal which is not good if you have kids in the car at any time. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have replaced the piece with the metal one which is mentioned in several of the threads regarding this issue. Good luck!
Oh, the other option is to have your friendly stealer do the job for around $1200 to $1500. They just replace the entire shifter module which runs around $500. If they do this, you'll be back to see them several years later with the same problem as I don't believe they have eliminated the plastic piece problem.
The only problem I had was not knowing how to take off the rest of the arm rest/center console. I can take out the nav/radio no problem
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CL500
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
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Joined: Feb 2009
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2005 S500
http://www.monoglobal.com.au/
I have all the levers in stock and ship daily.
Repair your ESM lever properly - do not just remove your broken part because your car can be then released from park by children in the car - it's no good if your car rolls down the hill with the kids in it.......
Exclusive offer for mbworld readers - Mention mbworld with your order and I will include 3 day express shipping with TNT for FREE
Easy to fit by DIY'er or MBZ workshops.
I have all the levers in stock and ship daily.
Repair your ESM lever properly - do not just remove your broken part because your car can be then released from park by children in the car - it's no good if your car rolls down the hill with the kids in it.......
Exclusive offer for mbworld readers - Mention mbworld with your order and I will include 3 day express shipping with TNT for FREE
Easy to fit by DIY'er or MBZ workshops.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 254
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From: America
CL600 2003
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
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CL500
those don't tell you how to remove the armrest area just the radio
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
S430 2002
S430 2002 locked in park. Class Action Lawsuit anyone?.
I also had my S430 2002 lock in park. The Mercedes Dealer said this problem was not common. I checked the internet and have seen 100s of these complaints. Obviously this is a defect which merits a recall. Mercedes now upped the price to $1,300 to fix. Apparently this shifter is under the TRP (anti-theft protection) law. This means you can only go to the dealer to fix this. Non Mercedes Dealers cannot fix this because the law prohibits it and Mercedes will not sell the shifter part to an outsider. Because no one is complaining to the right authorities (filing a class action petition and asking for a recall on these vehicles). This problem will continue and the price of this problem will soar. When the class action is won EVERYONE will get their monies back. Does anyone know a lawyer who is willing to take on this case?
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
S430 2002
I also had my S430 2002 lock in park. The Mercedes Dealer said this problem was not common. I checked the internet and have seen 100s of these complaints. Obviously this is a defect which merits a recall. Mercedes now upped the price to $1,300 to fix. Apparently this shifter is under the TRP (anti-theft protection) law. This means you can only go to the dealer to fix this. Non Mercedes Dealers cannot fix this because the law prohibits it and Mercedes will not sell the shifter part to an outsider. Because no one is complaining to the right authorities (filing a class action petition and asking for a recall on these vehicles). This problem will continue and the price of this problem will soar. When the class action is won EVERYONE will get their monies back. Does anyone know a lawyer who is willing to take on this case?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
1989 300te
just pull the center console out. Get shifter assy out and remove the pice of broken plastic out, is just a kid safety crap, i have that removed on both of my cl's, i do have alarm system and be realistic that pice of plastic takes a kick to give up, dont spend the money on that use it to get you some nice dinner 
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
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CL600 V12 biturbo
I have done this job on my W215 CL600 using the W220 instructions. To get to the gear lever selector, you do need to move the centre armrest out of the way. This part of the job is different to the instructions for the W220.
To remove the centre armrest in a W215, first remove the wood dash and radio as per instructions you have seen elsewhere, then follow the list below:
1. Remove the piece of carpet that covers the bottom of the armrest, you will see 4 screws.
2. Remove the two larger ones (located on the outside of the smaller ones). If the screw heads are too large to be taken out, you may have to remove the smaller ones first. This will allow you to take out a plastic cover piece and then you can take out the larger screws. I did not have to do this on mine.
3. Remove two small Torx screws just behind the gear selector holding the plastic part of the centre armrest onto the metal part behind gear selector.
4. Remove two small Torx screws just behind the drinks holder, one on each side. They are concealed by a piece of plastic which should be easily removed by pulling upwards.
The centre armrest should now be be free to be moved out of the way. You do not need to remove it all together, just move the from part "up" and out of the way enough to be able to pull the gear lever selector out. When moving the armrest out of the way, be careful not to snap the wires connected to it just behind the rear air vent. These are the wires for the phone and rear passenger headrest. When re-installing the armrest, be sure these wires are tucked in properly inside the armrest behind the rear air vent and are not snagged.
To remove the centre armrest in a W215, first remove the wood dash and radio as per instructions you have seen elsewhere, then follow the list below:
1. Remove the piece of carpet that covers the bottom of the armrest, you will see 4 screws.
2. Remove the two larger ones (located on the outside of the smaller ones). If the screw heads are too large to be taken out, you may have to remove the smaller ones first. This will allow you to take out a plastic cover piece and then you can take out the larger screws. I did not have to do this on mine.
3. Remove two small Torx screws just behind the gear selector holding the plastic part of the centre armrest onto the metal part behind gear selector.
4. Remove two small Torx screws just behind the drinks holder, one on each side. They are concealed by a piece of plastic which should be easily removed by pulling upwards.
The centre armrest should now be be free to be moved out of the way. You do not need to remove it all together, just move the from part "up" and out of the way enough to be able to pull the gear lever selector out. When moving the armrest out of the way, be careful not to snap the wires connected to it just behind the rear air vent. These are the wires for the phone and rear passenger headrest. When re-installing the armrest, be sure these wires are tucked in properly inside the armrest behind the rear air vent and are not snagged.
Last edited by Melk63; Jan 8, 2012 at 04:01 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
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2003 cl600
Can you give more info on how to remove centre console from w215, you said to remove the carpet, is that near the back of the front seats by the back of the whole centre console where the rear ashtray is and heat vents ?
Last edited by dr160; Jan 31, 2012 at 02:28 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
2003 CL500
my cl500 was becoming harder and harder to take out of park so i thought that i should fix the problem before it left somewhere stranded. When i took the shifter apart there seems that their is nothing wrong with it and that the plastic piece is fine. I can not get a closer look as it is being held by a rivet. What do i do please HELPPPPPPPPP,,,,,,,,
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 3
CL600 V12 biturbo
my cl500 was becoming harder and harder to take out of park so i thought that i should fix the problem before it left somewhere stranded. When i took the shifter apart there seems that their is nothing wrong with it and that the plastic piece is fine. I can not get a closer look as it is being held by a rivet. What do i do please HELPPPPPPPPP,,,,,,,,
Last edited by Melk63; Feb 23, 2012 at 06:07 PM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,345
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From: Irvine
04 CL55, 05 E500S4, 15 BMW i3 REx
You do need to to open up the selector box to get a closer look at the plastic piece. When I did mine, I had the same impression at first; there did not seem to be anything wrong with the plastic piece. It was in-tact and not "broke". On closer examination, it had a hairline crack which meant it would "bend" when pushed up by the solenoid, rather than move up fully. This caused it to stick. To open the selector box, you can drill the rivet out (as per description in W220 forum sticky) or, as I did with mine, just prise the steel cover out far enough to get to the plastic piece. Hope that helps. Mel.
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
Ditto here. Since you have done all the work, I would remove it even if it's okay. Sooner or later it most likely will break. Once removed, you'll need to decide whether or not to replace it. I didn't replace mine but if I had it to do over again, I'd replace it with the metal piece. As you probably know, w/o it, the tranny can be shifted at any time w/o one's foot on the brake pedal which is a safety issue. 
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From: NY
2003 CL600, CL2 Sport Package, Eurocharged / 2014 Jeep SRT / 2009 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 LS2
Stuck in Park, No Brake Lights!
Hello All,
I hope this message reaches all that reads it doing well. I am corresponding today for information. I own a 2003 CL600, (W215, Bi-Turbo). The gear shift lever is stuck in park. The brake lights don't engage either. I have removed the Brake Light switch and a new one is being sent over night delivery. The cost with delivery is less than $40.00. It could also be the Brake relay, please excuse my ignorance, but where is this piece located? I think that if I can get the brakes working the gear lever will come out of park. The car thinks I'm not stepping on the brakes. Any help offered will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Anthony
I hope this message reaches all that reads it doing well. I am corresponding today for information. I own a 2003 CL600, (W215, Bi-Turbo). The gear shift lever is stuck in park. The brake lights don't engage either. I have removed the Brake Light switch and a new one is being sent over night delivery. The cost with delivery is less than $40.00. It could also be the Brake relay, please excuse my ignorance, but where is this piece located? I think that if I can get the brakes working the gear lever will come out of park. The car thinks I'm not stepping on the brakes. Any help offered will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Anthony
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2016
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Sl55 amg
Yeah, but to take the selector assembley it has to be on D or N.
When it's on P you can't remove the wood trim
Everybody suggests to hammer the lever to get it out of park but doesnt work for me...
I m planning to cut the shifter stick...
When it's on P you can't remove the wood trim
Everybody suggests to hammer the lever to get it out of park but doesnt work for me...
I m planning to cut the shifter stick...
