Won't shift back to Reverse or Park/Stuck in 1st gear
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
Won't shift back to Reverse or Park/Stuck in 1st gear
Went to move my '01 E320 4matic from the driveway this afternoon and these problems happened:
* Once I shift the gear lever pass Neutral, it won't shift back up to Reverse or Park. Stuck at Neutral at the highest position. Have to turn the key in 0 position (engine off) for it to go back into Reverse or Park.
* Drove it around the neighborhood and it's stuck in 1st gear. When I try to use the +/-, it won't display any gear (blank display).
* Check Engine light on
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up.
I did drive it this morning around town and it was perfectly fine.
Any ideas what could be the problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
* Once I shift the gear lever pass Neutral, it won't shift back up to Reverse or Park. Stuck at Neutral at the highest position. Have to turn the key in 0 position (engine off) for it to go back into Reverse or Park.
* Drove it around the neighborhood and it's stuck in 1st gear. When I try to use the +/-, it won't display any gear (blank display).
* Check Engine light on
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up.
I did drive it this morning around town and it was perfectly fine.
Any ideas what could be the problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
1. Be sure the battery is fully charged
2.have you spilled anything onto the shift console ?
3.
Get a code reader at harborfreight or free code reading at most big auto supply chains and get that code and post it.
could be issues with trans fluid in the control (leaks into the connector)
or many other issues.
start at 1.
A battery going out the door can cause you issue
if you are in limp mode it is stuck in 2nd gear.
3.
Get a code reader at harborfreight or free code reading at most big auto supply chains and get that code and post it.
could be issues with trans fluid in the control (leaks into the connector)
or many other issues.
start at 1.
A battery going out the door can cause you issue
if you are in limp mode it is stuck in 2nd gear.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
Thanks for the info. Charging the battery right now.....it was low.
I did clean the interior before I tried to move the car this afternoon....used water in a spray bottle for the center console all the way down to the gear shifter but only spritz sparingly.....
I'll go to my local Autozone tomorrow to get the code if the problem persists.
Thanks.
I did clean the interior before I tried to move the car this afternoon....used water in a spray bottle for the center console all the way down to the gear shifter but only spritz sparingly.....
I'll go to my local Autozone tomorrow to get the code if the problem persists.
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
OOPs
you did a bad thing.
no liquids water soda coffee ever downith the shifter.
You might save the module by drying it out if it has not fried the circuit.
pm me or search for the procedure.
if it can't be saved
then don't go to the dealer
pm me and I can give you the repair by phone.
you are not the first to have it happen and you are not the last.
Search shift module
it is right under the shifter in the console
hopefully it dries overnight while the battery is charging.
no liquids water soda coffee ever downith the shifter.
You might save the module by drying it out if it has not fried the circuit.
pm me or search for the procedure.
if it can't be saved
then don't go to the dealer
pm me and I can give you the repair by phone.
you are not the first to have it happen and you are not the last.
Search shift module
it is right under the shifter in the console
hopefully it dries overnight while the battery is charging.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 4
From: Bostonian Ma
2012 CLS63 AMG
I know this story very well..... Redbull 
I also had the privilege to change it out 3x before the last one fit perfectly.
GL!
Don't buy new.. buy used. New ones run around $550+ and dealer will charge around 1k to install.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/...ft-module.html
I also had the privilege to change it out 3x before the last one fit perfectly.
GL!
Don't buy new.. buy used. New ones run around $550+ and dealer will charge around 1k to install.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/...ft-module.html
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area
2004 E500 CLK320
hi guys, I have the exact same problem, but it's a 2001 SLK320 w/ 110k mi. Fault code is P0705, transmission range sensor. I didn't spill any water/drinks on the shifter or anywhere. Do you think it's still related to the shift module? Could it be related to the valve body in the transmission? thanks in advance.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Guys just had the same thing happen. No check engine light though it did pull the following four codes. P0720 output speed sensor, P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor, and P1747Manufacturer Control transmission.
While driving car is stuck in one gear, I hear clicking in the shifter, car clunks when you put it in gear, hard to put back in Park from Drive have to shut the car off. Also there is a delay when holding the key for the car to start.
Any advice is appreciated.
While driving car is stuck in one gear, I hear clicking in the shifter, car clunks when you put it in gear, hard to put back in Park from Drive have to shut the car off. Also there is a delay when holding the key for the car to start.
Any advice is appreciated.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
97 SL320 2000 E320Wgn
what fixed your problems? I have identical!
Hi Lionhead, did you get it figured out?? Have identical problem Thanks if you can help.
Went to move my '01 E320 4matic from the driveway this afternoon and these problems happened:
* Once I shift the gear lever pass Neutral, it won't shift back up to Reverse or Park. Stuck at Neutral at the highest position. Have to turn the key in 0 position (engine off) for it to go back into Reverse or Park.
* Drove it around the neighborhood and it's stuck in 1st gear. When I try to use the +/-, it won't display any gear (blank display).
* Check Engine light on
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up.
I did drive it this morning around town and it was perfectly fine.
Any ideas what could be the problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
* Once I shift the gear lever pass Neutral, it won't shift back up to Reverse or Park. Stuck at Neutral at the highest position. Have to turn the key in 0 position (engine off) for it to go back into Reverse or Park.
* Drove it around the neighborhood and it's stuck in 1st gear. When I try to use the +/-, it won't display any gear (blank display).
* Check Engine light on
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up.
I did drive it this morning around town and it was perfectly fine.
Any ideas what could be the problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Western Burbs
'06 SL65
I don't own the car anymore but it was the shift module. I had a mechanic friend fix it. Dealer did quote much more. You might ask ohlord for a better less expensive fix. 
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1998 E320 Wagon
I ask because I am considering the purchase of a car that an MB dealership says has a faulty module.
The symptoms were that it would actually not start occasionally or just die suddenly after it did start.
PO said they replaced battery and even bought a new key but problem persisted.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
2008 R320 4MATIC
2000 E430 same symptoms.
No spills.
Fluid lovel okay.
New battery.
No CEL and no codes read using O'Reilly's code reader.
Slight trand oil leak front pass trans oil pan.
Tried "sneaky reset" no results.
Pretty much thinking it needs a new shifter.
Would a shift module from any other model or year work in a 2000 E430? The SLK and ML shifters look similar but I know this can be deceiving.
No spills.
Fluid lovel okay.
New battery.
No CEL and no codes read using O'Reilly's code reader.
Slight trand oil leak front pass trans oil pan.
Tried "sneaky reset" no results.
Pretty much thinking it needs a new shifter.
Would a shift module from any other model or year work in a 2000 E430? The SLK and ML shifters look similar but I know this can be deceiving.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
2008 R320 4MATIC
Currently having no luck finding a used one. Best deal I can find on a new one is autohaus for $403.
Took it apart and it shows pn 210 267 075. Autohaus shows pn 210 267 05 24.
Took it apart and it shows pn 210 267 075. Autohaus shows pn 210 267 05 24.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E320
I have the same problem. Can it be repaired or do i need new linkage?
you did a bad thing.
no liquids water soda coffee ever downith the shifter.
You might save the module by drying it out if it has not fried the circuit.
pm me or search for the procedure.
if it can't be saved
then don't go to the dealer
pm me and I can give you the repair by phone.
you are not the first to have it happen and you are not the last.
Search shift module
it is right under the shifter in the console
hopefully it dries overnight while the battery is charging.
no liquids water soda coffee ever downith the shifter.
You might save the module by drying it out if it has not fried the circuit.
pm me or search for the procedure.
if it can't be saved
then don't go to the dealer
pm me and I can give you the repair by phone.
you are not the first to have it happen and you are not the last.
Search shift module
it is right under the shifter in the console
hopefully it dries overnight while the battery is charging.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
2001 SLK320
Electric floor shifter
I had the same symptoms on my SLK320, code reader shows P0705 DTC, the diagnostics manual shows the gear range recognition switch S16/10 it is inside the floor shift assy. I disconnected the battery and replaced the assy. part no. 1702671124, it is a $560. item at the dealer. it is a big job the console, radio and forward switch panel had to be removed on mine to access. I had no fluid issues and 51K on the car. after installation reconnected the battery, sync of ESP & windows and reset radio code (in owners manual) and test drive was perfect no longer stuck in limp mode 2nd gear. and no dealer reset, all I have is a OBDII reader that will erase codes & CELs.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
2001 SLK320
P0705 DTC
I just have a Innova OBDII/CAN diagostic code reader that yes, reads generic DTC's not Mercedes propriatory codes for example it showed; P0705 trans range sensor circuit (PRNDL input), but the part that helped me on my SLK320 shifter the most was a PDF file that is called Electronic Automatic Transmission control (ETC) it is a 106 page file that covers shift points & function tests on 722.6 transmissions for models 129, 140, 163, 170, 202, 208 & 210. it also has troubleshooting and diagnostic information including Mercedes codes and the USA generic code eg. P0705 = Mercedes codes 017 & 018. that is were I got the info on the S16/10 switch, (gear range recognition) then I searched parts descriptions of the floor shifter assy. and also schematics that I found on forums and google searches about the floor shifter internal construction and transmission control systems. Note; on the bottom of ea. PDF page it indicates "Diagnostics manual chassis/drivetrain" dated 06/00 I hope this helps. PS my 2001 SLK320 was built 05/2000
Last edited by Ricks01SLK; Dec 24, 2012 at 02:49 AM. Reason: add text
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
2001 SLK320
Thank You
Thank you, But it helps that my day job is working as a Boeing jet mechanic. In addition, the forums and the web are a very valuable part of my tool kit.
Last edited by Ricks01SLK; Dec 25, 2012 at 06:56 AM. Reason: text
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2011 Mercedes Benz SLK 320
Went to move my '01 SLK 320 4matic from the driveway and these problems happened:
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up
* Once I shift the gear lever pass Neutral, into drive, it won't shift back up to Reverse, neutral or Park unless I turn the car off.
* Have to turn the key in 0 position (engine off) for it to go back into Reverse or Park.
* When I put it in drive, it's stuck in 1st gear. When I try to use the +/-, it won't display any gear (blank display).
* Check Engine light on
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up.
Any ideas what could be the problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
Read more: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...#ixzz2SY7eUm1g
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up
* Once I shift the gear lever pass Neutral, into drive, it won't shift back up to Reverse, neutral or Park unless I turn the car off.
* Have to turn the key in 0 position (engine off) for it to go back into Reverse or Park.
* When I put it in drive, it's stuck in 1st gear. When I try to use the +/-, it won't display any gear (blank display).
* Check Engine light on
* When I turn the key, it takes a few seconds before it fires up.
Any ideas what could be the problem? Any info would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
Read more: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...#ixzz2SY7eUm1g
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
2001 SLK320
I had this problem, but I did not have the starting problem. I replaced the electric floor shifter last winter and it has been fine since. The generic OBDII code on my car was P0705, but this can be more than 1 Mercedes proprietary diagnostic code. you can go to a good independent MB shop or the MB dealers to have the codes read on your car. I was in limp home mode and able to move the floor shifter from D to N with no problem, and I discovered that I could move the lever to R then P if I took my foot off the brake pedal. SET THE PARKING BRAKE FIRST.
Last edited by Ricks01SLK; May 7, 2013 at 03:56 PM.
