tmise

Have never had any problems with my 2003 CLK320. Went to pull it into the garage and shifter will not move out of park. Keep hearing about it either being the brake light switch (brake lights work) or the shifter interlock solenoid. I realize that just because the brake lights work, that doesn’t mean that switch is sending a signal to the interlock solenoid. Do I need to remove the shifter assembly to get to the interlock solenoid? How would I test it using a multimeter? Not sure if this has anything to do with it but seems like the ignition key rotates further clockwise than it used to, maybe the nut that holds it to the dash is loose.

Rudeney

There is a manual release for the shift interlock. See page 313 here:

http://benzbits.com/w209/Manuals/2003_clk_coupe.pdf

If you can't seem to trip it with a tool, pop the surround and shifter boot off and get it from above - it will be a yellow/white lever on the back right side of the shifter assembly,

tmise

Manual release works fine, car is now in the garage. I’m thinking it’s probably not the brake light switch since the brake lights work. I can see what I’m guessing is the shifter interlock solenoid, white cylinder with a plunger. It’s located upper right next to shifter. Do you know of a video showing how to remove it to replace or to test? The plunger certainly isn’t moving when I turn the the key to ON or RUN and press the brake. Would like to see if I’m getting voltage to it but looks like the entire assembly will have to be removed to be able to do that.

Rudeney

I don't believe that's a solenoid - I think it's a physical cable. See here:

https://benzbits.com/w209/RemoveGearshiftModule.pdf

In the meantime, I'd either wedge something to keep the manual override tripped, or carry a screwdriver to trip it when driving.

tmise

Actually I’m going to try and fix it, car is in the process of being sold.