Hi, like all good CL500's mine is stuck in park. I know how to fix the problem if i can get the ESM unit out. The problem I have is that to get the ESM unit out I have to first remove the centre console. I have undone everything you need to undo but I can't get the console off because the shift lever is stuck in park and too far forward to get the console off. The youtube clips showing how to get the console off all put the ****er in drive to get the console off .... naturally I can't because its stuck in park.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have already tried the well known mallet routine but without success ..... Help.

 

you can try pushing the stick down while pushing the shifter, or taking the shifter handle off and using a rubber mallet to hit the shifter while moving it back. i've never done this, but seen it posted many times. proceed at your own risk.

 

Hi Biker349, thanks for the prompt reply, unfortunately I have tried the mallet approach but without any joy. If any other members ahve any suggestions they would be very much appreciated ..... Cheers

 

The mallet will work but you've got to smack it pretty good while pulling the shifter out of park at the same time. Stay with it. You are not going to hurt it. This is what tow truck drivers do so that the car can be moved on to the flat bed.

 

Hi Jud, thanks for the reassurance, I will give it another try. I presume when doing the mallet thing that the car has to be running and with your foot on the brake to activate the release solenoid ? ... Cheers

 

Yes, I don't know or remember for sure, but I would do it as you say. You now have to decide whether to replace the plastic piece, the shifter module, or neither one. Not replacing either will allow the shifter to be pulled out of park at any time without depressing the brake pedal, a safety issue for sure and something to think about when you want to sell the car down the road.

If you decide to replace the module, it will have to be programed. Good luck and remember to take pics of the wire connectors you pull from the Command Module. This is where I screwed up and had to get a Benz tech to help me out.

 

Hi Jud, Bingo ! I now have the shifter out of park and the centre unit (the wood bit) out but still connected and over in the passengers footwell (my car is right hand drive). By the look of what I can now see I have to take the whole centre console out (or at least move it back a bit) to get at the two rear screws that hold the shifter module in, is this right ? or is there an easier way of doing this ? Where are the screws that hold the centre console in ? I can't see any plastic caps or anything like that, you know, the ones that cover the screw heads ?

Any ideas ? When I finally get there I think I will just take the plastic out and out everything back. Its not illegal in this country to have a vehicle that can be taken out of park without your foot on the brake.

Cheers

 

See if this helps...

If not, do a search on this forum as there is tons of info available on this.


https://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-...nsole-etc.html

 

How did you finally get the damn thing out of park. my can got stuck today and it's now stuck in a parking lot 5 miles away from home. I'm not happy! I tried rubber hammer trick with no success. I also tried taking out the wood trim but as you said it's impossible without putting the shifter in park. So frustrating.

Please let me know how you got it out of park.

Thanks.

 

Hi, stupid as it sounds, everybody else is right. Remove the gear knob, start the motor, put your foot on the brake, pull back on the shifter stick while hitting the end of the shifter stick with a mallet. I am like you, the first three times I tried it didn't work, in the end I wrapped a bit of rag around the shifter stick about half way down, gripped it with a big pair of vice grip pliers locked on to the stick so I could get more pull on it, hit it five times with a mallet and bingo .... out of park.

My problem now is that I can't work out how to get the centre console out (the armrest bit between the seats) so I can get teh shifter out. There is a good thread for an E55 (or similar) but the consoles are different and attach differently.

Good luck.

I will be away from the internet for the next two days but let me know how you get on.

Cheers

 

I have the push-start option in my car. Does anyone know if i can damage that feature by hammering the tip of the sifter?

 

You need to remove the shift knob first. Once removed use a rubber mallet or put a block of hard wood on top of the shift lever before hammering.

You will not hurt anything doing this when in need. Just remember, don't go monkey crazy, just firm taps.

 

Awiner, thanks for the reply. I knew I had to take the knob off but there is a small plug right in the tip of the shifter rod that I was afraid I could damage.
I tried again today but still no success. So I ended up hammering the shifter backwards, into reverse. That worked. I know that wasn't the smartest thing to do but I was done playing nice.
I took the car home and took it apart. I was actually easier than I thought.
I ordered the piece (aluminum) from Amazon. Should be here sometime next week.

Now since the comand unit is out, I think I may add some sort of Aux input. Any suggestions?

 

Good news on the success of the mallet.

Had did you get the centre console (armrest bit between the seats) out ? i still haven't worked out how to get mine out without breaking things. I can't get the shifter out with the centre bit in place ?

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. Cheers

 

The center console was actually easy to remove. There two screws under the mat in the armrest storage compartment, two screws behind the carpet by the knee area and then you would have to unplug a few plugs behind the rear air vent. That's it!!

Good luck.

 

Many thanks for your help. I won't have an opportunity to work on the car again until next weekend but will let you know how I get on.

Cheers