hstout

New guy here. I have a 2001 E320 that keeps going in to limp mode. With some Google searches I was able to replace the transmission conductor plate and the 13 pin connector adaptorplug. But I'm still having the same problem. It will drive fine for 15-20 minutes and then go in to limp mode. There is one piece that I can't figure out where it came from or where it goes, I found it stuck to the inside of the transmission pan. It's 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches. It looks like a rectangle sewer drain cover and it's magnetized. The codes that I'm still getting are P0410 and P0700. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Hoss.

fabbrisd1

1) the "piece" - no worries it was a antiquated pan magnet

2) PO410 has nothing to do with limp mode - it is a minor code for another system

3) PO700 - I might suggest your do a forum search - buy a $9 can of MAF cleaner - and pull and clean the Transmission Control Module - contamination there could be the reason for the code - if that doesn't clear it up - you may need to have code cleared by Star..

hstout

Thanks for the reply. I did use electrical contact cleaner on the 13 pin connector to remove the transmission fluid that leaked when the o ring broke. Is it the same as mass air flow cleaner?

fabbrisd1

Yes - MAF Cleaner (Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner) is a non-ammonia/non-residue spray cleaner - frankly cheaper than a electronics cleaner - handy to have.

If you had fluid at the connector - then over time the fluid "wicks up" the harness to the TCM (tranny control module_ in the engine compartment - where that fluid can contaminate the connector or the actual TCM board itself.

If that is the case - good news 98% of the time the TCM can be cleaned/recovered.

Search the forum - find where/how to pull the TCM board - clean the connector inside that box with spray - let air dry (no heat).

With the board out - holding board on edge - "flood" both both sides of the board with MAF cleaner - objective is to let the contamination "run off trhe board - let air dry - no heat - then reinstall.

Sometimes - code will "clear" over several drive cycles - sometimes code will need to be cleared with Star.

Try this 1st before moving forward to other stuff...

hstout

Well I bought a few cans of MAF cleaner, removed the TCM and sprayed cleaner in it and the wiring connectors until the only thing that came out was MAF cleaner and it still goes in to limp mode after about 20 minutes of driving. I brought it home and sprayed more cleaner in the TCM and all of the connections. I'm letting it dry overnight, I'll check the battery, clear the errors and drive it around tomorrow to see how that works. There is a high pitched whine just before it starts to go limp.

hstout

I drove it around for a while and it was doing great but 17 minutes into driving it the high pitched whine came back. Then the whine got noticeably louder and it went into limp mode. Turned it off and waited a minute and was able to get it home, I was only a mile away. Any suggestions on what to try next? It doesn't show any error codes this time.

willboyd97

hstout,
did you get a solution to your problem?