Transmission LIMP mode
First of all I would like to thank everyone on this forum for all their knowledge. I've absorb everything I've read and have applied it to all the issues I've had on my 99 CLK320. So far I've been able to resolve the majority of my problems from AC issues to what type of lowering springs to get. But this one is kicking my butt:
I won't bore you with the details, so here it is in a nut shell:
1) Car went in to limp mode two weeks ago, unable to recover after shutting off car. ODBII says P0715. (input shaft speed sensor circuit)
2) I've read all the data on transmission issues (very helpful) and have already tried/changed the following:
Electric kit, valve body, all solenoids, adapter plug, cleaned connector and pins on TCU, and had transmission flushed (filter and gasket also changed) by indy mech.
Unfortunately the car won't come out of limp mode. ODBII says no errors.
I read on one of the forums that I need a STAR diagnostic tool to reset everything is this true? Is it something my Indy mechanic can do?
Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
Was just wondering if there're any updates since you took your W208 to the indy mechanic.
Was the issue resolved via resetting the ECU?
My 1998 W208 230K's experiencing this (car won't shift beyond 1st gear) and it will spend the next couple days (fingers x'ed) at the indy mechanic's till they're able to troubleshoot the problem.
Fyi, the entire instrument cluster lit up like a x'mas tree (ABS, ASR, blown bulb, etc) recently and problem still persists after numerous ECU resets. On top of that, the needles of the water temp & RPM gauges are stuck
We suspect it might be a faulty instrument cluster and was told that there's also an "ECU" within the cluster itself which is linked to the tranny, brake system, (central locking?), etc Mechanic also shared that this problem of instrument cluster lighting up was common among W210s.
Cheers!
Sorry for the late post reply I just got back from vacation.
Here's the update:
My indy (he's good and I trust his assesments + he didn't charge me a cent to check out my car!) says that the conductor plate I installed is bad that I still have the input 2 speed sensor error.
He cleared all the embedded errors in the memory and performed the adaptation reset for the EGS and ME. He told me that it shifted once out of 2nd real hard but then it wouldn't go into 3rd. He tried the "turn off and turn on" sequence but no go. He hooked up the Diagnostics tool again and the error code gave him another P0715 error.
I'm going to order another conductor plate ( I found one from OE Discount parts for $141 with free shipping) and I also purchased a Carsoft multiplexer so I can check things out myself ($105 for Deal Extreme if your interested).
Hopefully this part works this time.
Oh man I remember you now!, Yeah I read your thread when I first started getting my limp mode condition and it inspired me to tackle the problem. Working on this problem is helping me better understand my car, my friends say I bought a "money pit" But I tell them "It's a Mercedes and once I fix it it's fixed!" I'm sure once I get the new plate installed and do the adaptation I'll be back on the road!
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Before I ordered another electric plate I did recieve my Carsoft & multiplexer (Thanks to jjohnv for recomending it) and decided to hook it up and see what was going on.
After fumbling around with the software I was able to reset all memory errors that my indy missed and perform a ME & EGS addaptation reset. I did a diagnostic test on the ME & EGS and it gave no further errors. I rechecked my trans fluid level. It was good and then got in the car put it in reverse (no thug which was a good sign
) then in Drive (again no thug
) and WAHLA! it started shiftingIf I missed anybody thanks for all your help and advise!
Best Regards,
Rusty
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Sorry the only way I was able to clear the errors (adaptation) was with the carsoft 7.4 software and multiplexer. If you need the link to order the multiplexer (it comes with the software) I can PM it to you or if you are in AZ I can reset it for you.
MarcusF might also have a way to reset your errors if you want to PM him also.
Last edited by rolaes62; Feb 11, 2010 at 10:56 PM.
Please let me know what you guys think and if I'm going with the correct approach so I don't waste money. Thanks in advance.
If a speed sensor signal itself is bad , resetting the error codes will not correct that. If you think resetting the codes will fix the problem, trust me, the dealer will reset the codes while doing the diagnostics - then they'll take it for a test drive. If the error reoccurs, the problem with the sensor must be corrected. I personally have had a problem with a sensor, so this isn't a guess. I personally reset my codes before taking it to a dealer. The problem could be a sensor, the plate, or a number of other things. The tech wont know until the parts are on the workbench in front of them.
Personally, if I were you, I'd see the dealer rather than use an Indy. My dealer charged me $800. That included replacing the plate (which was cracked, the sensor was fine), a doing the infamous o-ring (which should be upgraded if it hasn't already), a C-Class loaner, and cleaning the car. Even if dealer prices have increased 25% (doubtful), an Indy is supposed to charge substantially less than a dealer, not be on par.
The transmisison is a 722.6 and should be the same as yours. I ended up changing the conductor. I bought the OE parts from the local dealership and my indie changed the parts. The whole job costed me $750CAN.
You have to drop the pan to change the conductor plate so you will need 3-4 litres of ATF. Depending when was your last ATF change, you might want to change the filter inside the pan as well which is inexpensive.









