Hotline Archive: Unable to shift out of park
Hotline Archive: Unable to shift out of park
Having access to the biggest USA workshop live hotline databases, I will publish them here and might help some.
Customer Concern: Unable to shift out of park.
Average Reported Mileage: 102626
Tests/Procedures:
1. Connect a Mercedes-Benz compatible scan tool and read/record/clear DTCs in the Engine Control Module (ECM), Electronic Stability Program and also in transmission control module (ETC) and Electronic Selector Module (ESM).
2. Bring up data stream on scanner for Electronic Stability Program and check operation of brake light switch, verify the normally closed contact and the normally open contact both are functioning ok. Make sure the brake lights are working. If any problem is detected with brake light switch, or if any DTCs for brake light switch are stored, perform diagnosis on the brake light switch.
3. Check adjustment of shift interlock cable between ignition switch module and shifter, if equipped. Later model year cars may not have this redundant system.
4. With scan tool, read data stream in ESM for correct brake switch inputs. If inputs are correct, it's possible that the ESM shift interlock has failed.
5. To replace shifter assembly, a scan tool that is capable of transferring coding from old control unit to the new one is needed. The scan tool also needs to be able to remove transport theft protection coding.
Tech Tips: If a scan tool that can perform coding is not available, replacement is not possible due to the coding and theft protection. Mercedes requires complete Electronic Selector Module (ESM) replacement when interlock has failed. There are places online that can rebuild the broken pieces in the shifter rather than getting new and having to reprogram.
Or park lock levers can be replaced internally but only sold aftermarket.
Potential Causes
Brake Light Switch
Fuse #16
Shift Interlock Cable
Shifter Assembly
Confirmed Fix Summary
Confirmed Fix
9 - Replaced/Repaired Shifter Assembly
6 - Replaced/Repaired/Programmed Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
3 - Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
1 - Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 and Installed Fuse #16
1 - Replaced Fuse #16
1 - Repaired Shifter Assembly and Information Only Tech Tip
Confirmed Fix Details
Tech Reported Fix Details Confirmed Fix
March 8, 2014 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- THESE SHIFTERS ARE BREAKING THE LOCK OUT LEVER. IT CAN BE REPLACED MUCH CHEAPER THAN REPLACING THE SHIFTER ASSEMLY. YOU DO HAVE TO REMOVE THE SHIFTER TO REPLACE LEVER.THE LEVERS COME IN TWO SIZES 11MM & 5MM. MEASURE SHOLDER OF THE PIVOT PIN HOLE.11MM PART #2202679924A 5MM PART # 2202679824A
Repaired Shifter Assembly
September 1, 2012 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- Unable to shift out of Park. Disassembled shift module and found broken plastic lock out clip. Through Amazon.com (of all places) I ordered this replacement part. http://*******/jySlt Reassembled and sent customer on their way. Happy Happy.
Repaired Shifter Assembly
April 28, 2013 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- THE SHIFT RELEASE CAN BE HEARD WHEN BRAKE APPLIED BUT SHIFTER WILL NOT RELEASE FROM PARK, BROKEN PARTS IN SHIFTER ASSEMBLY, REPLACED THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE.
Replaced Shifter Assembly
February 19, 2019 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- Plastic shift fork in shifter assy. know to break and even though the park lock works the shifter will not move. Replace complete shifter assy.
Replaced Shifter Assembly
April 19, 2013 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- replaced shifter assembly...has to be coded
Replaced Shifter Assembly
April 2, 2013 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- replaced shifter assembly
Replaced Shifter Assembly
July 15, 2015 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- park lever from amazon
Repaired Shifter Assembly
March 16, 2011 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- REPLACED THE SHIFTER.
Replaced Shifter Assembly
May 13, 2015 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, Des 113.941, USA *
Shifter Assembly Replaced Shifter Assembly
December 5, 2016 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- ESM has no power. Will not move out of park. Fuse 37 no power. Found bad relay that is in circuit with #37 fuse. after replacing relay now ESM has power and shifts correctly. Customer admitted to jumping battery regularly.
Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
January 29, 2019 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500, 5.0L, V8, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- Replaced broken plastic interlock lever with aluminum aftermarket part.
114,000 miles Repaired Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
January 23, 2016 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, 5.8L, V12, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
138,000 miles Programmed Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
5 David Dyer
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- Sent to dealer to have re-programmed.
80,000 miles Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
October 30, 2014 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500, 4Matic 5.0L, V8, Des 113.966, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 Repaired Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
March 2, 2017 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, 5.5L, V8, USA *
Shift Interlock Lever
- broken (plastic) shift interlock lever broken inside shifter, why not make these out of metal but a new one was ordered from amazon arrived very quickly and made the vehicle function to specs. thanks to the tech tip!
Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
August 26, 2016 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shift Interlock Lever
- The lever to release the park interlock wears out, flexes and will ultimately break. The lever is available by itself. Disassemble the shifter assembly and replace the lever.
Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
January 23, 2019 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shift Interlock Lever Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- Shifter still did not work after installing fuse so needed a shifter also.
Fuse #16
- Fuse for stop light switch was missing.
75,753 miles Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 and Installed Fuse #16
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Fuse #16
118,000 miles Replaced Fuse #16
September 22, 2015 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
Tech Tip
- used dorman shifter repair kit 924-736 to replace broken shifter pivot. shifter removal is all from inside vehicle. this repair kit saves a trip to the dealer. dealer wont even sell the shifter assembly due to antitheft components. David Mazzella
Repaired Shifter Assembly and Information Only Tech Tip
Vehicle Application: 2002 CL500 5.0
2001 S430 4.3
2002 S430 4.3
2000 S500 5.0
2001 S500 5.0
2002 S500 5.0
2002 S55 AMG 5.5
2001 S600 5.8
Customer Concern: Unable to shift out of park.
Average Reported Mileage: 102626
Tests/Procedures:
1. Connect a Mercedes-Benz compatible scan tool and read/record/clear DTCs in the Engine Control Module (ECM), Electronic Stability Program and also in transmission control module (ETC) and Electronic Selector Module (ESM).
2. Bring up data stream on scanner for Electronic Stability Program and check operation of brake light switch, verify the normally closed contact and the normally open contact both are functioning ok. Make sure the brake lights are working. If any problem is detected with brake light switch, or if any DTCs for brake light switch are stored, perform diagnosis on the brake light switch.
3. Check adjustment of shift interlock cable between ignition switch module and shifter, if equipped. Later model year cars may not have this redundant system.
4. With scan tool, read data stream in ESM for correct brake switch inputs. If inputs are correct, it's possible that the ESM shift interlock has failed.
5. To replace shifter assembly, a scan tool that is capable of transferring coding from old control unit to the new one is needed. The scan tool also needs to be able to remove transport theft protection coding.
Tech Tips: If a scan tool that can perform coding is not available, replacement is not possible due to the coding and theft protection. Mercedes requires complete Electronic Selector Module (ESM) replacement when interlock has failed. There are places online that can rebuild the broken pieces in the shifter rather than getting new and having to reprogram.
Or park lock levers can be replaced internally but only sold aftermarket.
Potential Causes
Brake Light Switch
Fuse #16
Shift Interlock Cable
Shifter Assembly
Confirmed Fix Summary
Confirmed Fix
9 - Replaced/Repaired Shifter Assembly
6 - Replaced/Repaired/Programmed Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
3 - Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
1 - Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 and Installed Fuse #16
1 - Replaced Fuse #16
1 - Repaired Shifter Assembly and Information Only Tech Tip
Confirmed Fix Details
Tech Reported Fix Details Confirmed Fix
March 8, 2014 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- THESE SHIFTERS ARE BREAKING THE LOCK OUT LEVER. IT CAN BE REPLACED MUCH CHEAPER THAN REPLACING THE SHIFTER ASSEMLY. YOU DO HAVE TO REMOVE THE SHIFTER TO REPLACE LEVER.THE LEVERS COME IN TWO SIZES 11MM & 5MM. MEASURE SHOLDER OF THE PIVOT PIN HOLE.11MM PART #2202679924A 5MM PART # 2202679824A
Repaired Shifter Assembly
September 1, 2012 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- Unable to shift out of Park. Disassembled shift module and found broken plastic lock out clip. Through Amazon.com (of all places) I ordered this replacement part. http://*******/jySlt Reassembled and sent customer on their way. Happy Happy.
Repaired Shifter Assembly
April 28, 2013 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- THE SHIFT RELEASE CAN BE HEARD WHEN BRAKE APPLIED BUT SHIFTER WILL NOT RELEASE FROM PARK, BROKEN PARTS IN SHIFTER ASSEMBLY, REPLACED THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE.
Replaced Shifter Assembly
February 19, 2019 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- Plastic shift fork in shifter assy. know to break and even though the park lock works the shifter will not move. Replace complete shifter assy.
Replaced Shifter Assembly
April 19, 2013 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- replaced shifter assembly...has to be coded
Replaced Shifter Assembly
April 2, 2013 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- replaced shifter assembly
Replaced Shifter Assembly
July 15, 2015 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- park lever from amazon
Repaired Shifter Assembly
March 16, 2011 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shifter Assembly
- REPLACED THE SHIFTER.
Replaced Shifter Assembly
May 13, 2015 2003 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, Des 113.941, USA *
Shifter Assembly Replaced Shifter Assembly
December 5, 2016 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- ESM has no power. Will not move out of park. Fuse 37 no power. Found bad relay that is in circuit with #37 fuse. after replacing relay now ESM has power and shifts correctly. Customer admitted to jumping battery regularly.
Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
January 29, 2019 2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500, 5.0L, V8, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- Replaced broken plastic interlock lever with aluminum aftermarket part.
114,000 miles Repaired Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
January 23, 2016 2001 Mercedes-Benz S600, 5.8L, V12, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
138,000 miles Programmed Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
5 David Dyer
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- Sent to dealer to have re-programmed.
80,000 miles Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
October 30, 2014 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500, 4Matic 5.0L, V8, Des 113.966, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 Repaired Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
March 2, 2017 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, 5.5L, V8, USA *
Shift Interlock Lever
- broken (plastic) shift interlock lever broken inside shifter, why not make these out of metal but a new one was ordered from amazon arrived very quickly and made the vehicle function to specs. thanks to the tech tip!
Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
August 26, 2016 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4Matic 4.3L, V8, Des 113.948, USA *
Shift Interlock Lever
- The lever to release the park interlock wears out, flexes and will ultimately break. The lever is available by itself. Disassemble the shifter assembly and replace the lever.
Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
January 23, 2019 2000 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shift Interlock Lever Replaced Shift Interlock Lever
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5
- Shifter still did not work after installing fuse so needed a shifter also.
Fuse #16
- Fuse for stop light switch was missing.
75,753 miles Replaced Electronic Selector Module (ESM) N15/5 and Installed Fuse #16
January 23, 2016 2002 Mercedes-Benz S430, 4.3L, V8, MFI, USA *
Fuse #16
118,000 miles Replaced Fuse #16
September 22, 2015 2001 Mercedes-Benz S500, 5.0L, V8, Des 113.960, USA *
Shifter Assembly
Tech Tip
- used dorman shifter repair kit 924-736 to replace broken shifter pivot. shifter removal is all from inside vehicle. this repair kit saves a trip to the dealer. dealer wont even sell the shifter assembly due to antitheft components. David Mazzella
Repaired Shifter Assembly and Information Only Tech Tip
Vehicle Application: 2002 CL500 5.0
2001 S430 4.3
2002 S430 4.3
2000 S500 5.0
2001 S500 5.0
2002 S500 5.0
2002 S55 AMG 5.5
2001 S600 5.8
