97 e320 stuck in limp mode
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh pa
97 e320 “w210”
97 e320 stuck in limp mode
First post to the forum, I have been reading a lot of information from this forum for years for different Mercedes that I have had well I’m having a problem here and need some outside input. First my 320 got pop spilled all over and down in the shifter dumb a**! Car goes in limp mode 5 minutes later after the next key cycle so I got a good used replacement one from a guy I know with a w210 parts car and figured I should be good to go I take the car to a local shop who has the connector to link in under the hood and communicate with the Tcm he calls me up about a hour later and tells me that my Tcm is not allowing him to clear the code...does not specify what code was in the Tcm but said he thinks it’s because the shifter needs programmed to my Benz well after a talk with the local Benz dealership I find that to not be true, so I moved on and decided to change the conductor plate in the trans I got the new connector and plate + a new pan gasket and filter changed everything filled it up with fluid fingers crossed the car would shift.....nope still stuck in limp. The Benz dealer tells me the conductor plate needs programmed to my vehicle but I see many many people who didn’t have to do that so any input here would be helpful at this point since I’m now just chasing my tail
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
You need to find a mechanic who can troubleshoot those cars.
When hard transmission limp can be only cleared by SD level scanner, the conductor plates and shifter switch do not need programming.
If you plan to become DIY, now is good time to buy a scanner. The prices drop and now you can have a good one for less, than $200.
FIY there are 3 levels of trouble codes and the stored or historic code will not clear by scanner. Since that is inactive code - the computer will delete it after some cycling.
Good luck with your troubles.
When hard transmission limp can be only cleared by SD level scanner, the conductor plates and shifter switch do not need programming.
If you plan to become DIY, now is good time to buy a scanner. The prices drop and now you can have a good one for less, than $200.
FIY there are 3 levels of trouble codes and the stored or historic code will not clear by scanner. Since that is inactive code - the computer will delete it after some cycling.
Good luck with your troubles.
Last edited by kajtek1; Jun 30, 2018 at 03:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh pa
97 e320 “w210”
Thanks for the response, honestly I didn’t believe the conductor plate needed any programming either, well I guess Monday I’ll run it over to the shop and see if the Tcm can be cleared now hopefully the reset goes well this time. The shifter was definitely a necessary replacement and the conductor plate I’m sure wasn’t changed for no reason I mean my car has 175k on it, I’m sure my snap on scanner would of been sufficient to clear the Tcm but about 2 weeks ago someone felt like they needed it more then me....hasn’t been seen since so for now I’m stuck with a regular handheld obd2 scanner so unfortunately I wasn’t able to do my own diagnostics but like I said before it is nice to know the Tcm should just need reset now and hopefully my e320 will be back on the road
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Just to make it clear >>> your MY will not clear any advanced codes via OBD plug. You need a scanner who operates with 38-pins.
I no longer own W210, but from what I check, the new, cheaper scanners don't cover 20 yo modules, so finding one that works for your car might take some effort.
I am still confused with your description. It indicate that you had soft limp, that would clear with ignition cycling.
Meaning if that was the case, you should not need scanner at all.
Get a picture what exactly scanner tells.
I no longer own W210, but from what I check, the new, cheaper scanners don't cover 20 yo modules, so finding one that works for your car might take some effort.
I am still confused with your description. It indicate that you had soft limp, that would clear with ignition cycling.
Meaning if that was the case, you should not need scanner at all.
Get a picture what exactly scanner tells.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh pa
97 e320 “w210”
That’s a friend of mines auttel I believe it’s spelled scan tool I have been using it since my modis decided to grow legs waiting on a check from the insurance company to replace it. I probably should of stuck around and just did it myself that way I would know the code but he just said his best guess was it the shifter needed programming knowing that wasn’t the case is why I figured I’ll have to end up changing the conductor plate sooner then later anyway so I might as well do it now before it leaves me stranded somewhere waiting on a tow truck.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh pa
97 e320 “w210”
So now on Monday I’m just gonna send it off to the dealer, that way they use the official star system and can just get it reset for me I mean honestly how much can it be 100 bucks I really just hate paying things like this when Im a mechanic myself i usually don’t have any trouble communicating with any vehicle components with a 10k scan tool these are the times that I get extremely frustrated not having it...
Monday I will update with all the codes stored in my Tcm and what the end result of getting this car back on the road required
Monday I will update with all the codes stored in my Tcm and what the end result of getting this car back on the road required
Last edited by Jays auto; Jun 30, 2018 at 06:03 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
That's the car "health page" You should read each of the codes later.
My late friend was indy "European cars" mechanic, specializing in MB. He was flying for indy update training every year. Technology moves so fast in last generation, that this is what it takes to be professional.
West Coast dealers charge $150/hr or more and usually 1 hr is minimum.
My late friend was indy "European cars" mechanic, specializing in MB. He was flying for indy update training every year. Technology moves so fast in last generation, that this is what it takes to be professional.
West Coast dealers charge $150/hr or more and usually 1 hr is minimum.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh pa
97 e320 “w210”
UPDATE on my original issue of my 210 stuck in limp, so today I finally found someone locally that had the correct 38 pin connector and laptop software for me to use I was able to reset my Tcm and take the Benz out for a quick spin it shifts perfectly again, thankfully there wasn’t anything else wrong! also a genuinely knowledgeable guy if anyone ever needs any repairs for there Mercedes “all models & years” I would Contact Garrett’s German auto repair located in Pittsburgh pa 412-715-9903 he’s a small shop but he’s certified in Mercedes repair he is truly a good honest mechanic and he also has the right diagnostic software licensed by Mercedes Benz to communicate diagnose & if necessary reprogram replacement parts it was a pleasure meeting him and he is extremely knowledgeable so I figured I would share his info with everyone and who knows someone may be in this area and need some help one day
Last edited by Jays auto; Jul 5, 2018 at 08:31 PM.
