John1980

I've been on other forums and cannot get a simple yes or no answer...

I recently purchased a 1997 E320 for extremely cheap because it was in limp mode. I did a lot of research before buying the car and everything pointed to the conductor plate or 13 pin connector. The guy I bought the car from said the car always drove fine until he accidentally left the windows down in the rain and water got in the shifter... He told me it needed a new shifter module. I first replaced the conductor plate and 13 pin connector. Obviously I changed the filter and used new mercedes fluid.... Still in limp mode. I replaced the shifter today and still no changes. Actually it now bangs into R and D very hard now. The simple question I have is; do i have to bring it in and have the code cleared? Ive wasted a lot of time with this so far, and I'm starting to feel like I'm just throwing parts at it. Please help me! Thanks in advance!!

raymond g-

As conveyed on the other MB forum some trouble codes are hard stored into
the car system and can only be cleared at the dealer or someone having an
advanced diagnostic system/reader to erase and reset. Transmission codes fall
within that category which require dealer/SDS level resetting. So what is it
about this information that you think is vague or causes you to be uncertain
about the accuracy in information

Liquid intrusion into the shifter can cost upwards of $1k if you're unlucky. I was
fortunate that it only required lots of ventilation and drying over 48 hrs.

Some MB forum members have purchased and invested money into purchasing
an SDS multiplexor. If you're lucky enough to have someone living near you,
you can offer them a beer or dinner for a quick scan and reset. Unfortunately
i'm quite a ways from you.

John1980

Thank you! That makes sense. Would a scan tool like this clear transmission codes such as P0715

John1980

I also have a BMW, and have a code reader that clears all codes. That one is for bmw only though.

raymond g-

john
the appliance you've referenced advertises that it will read and erase
transmission codes in very broad fashion. i haven't had hands-on experience
with that vs the MB E320 so I cannot advise you one way or the other how
accurate this information is or its success with your car. if there is a way you
can get this information confirmed by the manufacturer (or read some online
reviews) it may help. another thought would be to have the seller guarantee
this or commit to your money back if it does not. it sounds promising though
and at a much more affordable price than the MB holy grail (SDS)

furthermore: upon reflection, the reason I am uncommitted is that each manuf
has many proprietary coded sensors. in order for the aftermarket diagnostic
scanners to read and erase them, they need to spend time decoding the codes
and incorporate these features into their product. as each manuf releases new
cars, additional sensors are created. new codes then must be updated into the
aftermarket scanning equipment. frequent updates to the scanner's firmware
are needed...just like a computer requiring software and firmware updating

so, just because the advertisement says it can scan and erase transmission codes,
it is unlikely to be 100% accurate and there may be gaps in coverage.

bbirdwell

^ +1. What he said.

OP, where are you located?

raymond g-

bb: i saw his similar post on BW and he's in Chitown

John1980

I went to a local European mechanic shop today and he said bring it back tomorrow at 8am and he will clear the code for free

John1980

Code was cleared this morning and it shifts perfectly now

raymond g-

sweeeeet

John1980

Im pretty sure I didn't need to change the shifter module lol