E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Strange gearbox (maybe) issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 27, 2022 | 02:35 PM
  #1  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Strange gearbox (maybe) issue

Very strange thing is happening to with the car since the summer months.When the interior is warm (now in winter too) the car goes to P when she wants to even when moving slow.After going into P it can't switch to N ,R or D - left me standed the middle of an intersection one time.No fault codes found.The gearbox is 7-gtronic i don't the know exact model of the gearbox.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2022 | 04:02 PM
  #2  
CaliBenzDriver's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
gremlins...

Originally Posted by lizart95
...
the car goes to P when it wants to, when moving slow.
After going into P it can't switch to N ,R or D
No fault codes found.
...
How did you find out there is "no code" ?

Sounds like a faulty door ajar sensor is kicking your tranny into Park. Use your scanner to test the sensor activity.

Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 27, 2022 at 11:07 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2022 | 01:23 AM
  #3  
S. Madman's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 681
Likes: 405
From: FL
2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
If it is the door sensor, you should see the warning on the cluster. If not then it probably is the aux battery.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2022 | 08:04 AM
  #4  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
When we scanned the car it didn't show any fault codes also there is no second battery.No warnings for open door too.Will test the sensors when i got the car (im away from home).
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2022 | 11:27 AM
  #5  
pierrejoliat's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
If your car is a '10-'13, you have a second battery in the dash, you access it through the side panel on the drivers side of the dash. It is the size of an alarm system battery, all it does in those model years is enable you to shift the car when the main battery dies.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 07:01 AM
  #6  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
If it's this battery shouldn't i get a warning for it ? Like battery malfunction/fail something like that.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 08:25 AM
  #7  
pierrejoliat's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by lizart95
If it's this battery shouldn't i get a warning for it ? Like battery malfunction/fail something like that.
Yes, Auxiliary battery warning on dash, but I never heard of that influencing the car shifting to park, as Cali said, it could be one of your door sensors, maybe clean and lube those to be sure, might be stuck? do the interior lights come on when yo open each door?
It might not be enough to trigger the door ajar light, but enough to throw the transmission into park? The car will go into park if you open the door while moving, I believe under 5 MPH. I do remember reading a thread about this on the forum, I don't remember if it was the conductor plate in the transmission.

Is your shifter on the stalk working well, it's not sticking or stopping part way?

Last edited by pierrejoliat; Jan 30, 2022 at 08:37 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 08:44 AM
  #8  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by pierrejoliat
Yes, Auxiliary battery warning on dash, but I never heard of that influencing the car shifting to park, as Cali said, it could be one of your door sensors, maybe clean and lube those to be sure, might be stuck? do the interior lights come on when yo open each door?
It might not be enough to trigger the door ajar light, but enough to throw the transmission into park? The car will go into park if you open the door while moving, I believe under 5 MPH. I do remember reading a thread about this on the forum, I don't remember if it was the conductor plate in the transmission.

Is your shifter on the stalk working well, it's not sticking or stopping part way?
it's not sticking nor stoping.Where are the sensors located and how they look so i can find them? No warning or indication on the dash for this battery.Also i talked to the previous owner and he said he replaced it.

Last edited by lizart95; Jan 30, 2022 at 08:46 AM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 09:49 AM
  #9  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
If within affected range (VIN is below a776831) ignition switch may need replacement. If not under warranty one can argue for MB goodwill repair given bulletin documents “assembly issue”, defective switch was installed during production.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
LI54.25-P-056472_Ver_3.pdf (33.9 KB, 128 views)
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 10:01 AM
  #10  
S. Madman's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 681
Likes: 405
From: FL
2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
When, my main battery took a crap 3 years ago, the AUX battery was in charge of keeping anything mounted to the steering wheel powered including the electronic shifter. It would not get out of P after replacing the main battery, and I though it left me stranded. I let the car on for a while with rev at 2000, then powered off, waited 5 minutes then I started the car, and was able to shift. There was no AUX battery malfunction message either. Batteries hate cold weather, and they will do all sorts of crazy things.

A battery tender is a must for this weather, even for me in Florida.

Last edited by S. Madman; Jan 30, 2022 at 10:03 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 10:32 AM
  #11  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by S. Madman
When, my main battery took a crap 3 years ago, the AUX battery was in charge of keeping anything mounted to the steering wheel powered including the electronic shifter. It would not get out of P after replacing the main battery, and I though it left me stranded. I let the car on for a while with rev at 2000, then powered off, waited 5 minutes then I started the car, and was able to shift. There was no AUX battery malfunction message either. Batteries hate cold weather, and they will do all sorts of crazy things.

A battery tender is a must for this weather, even for me in Florida.
but my go in P and after that it won't to to R ,N or D .I know that batteries hate cold but this is happening when the cabin is warm in summer months ot when the heating is on.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 11:29 AM
  #12  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by konigstiger
If within affected range (VIN is below a776831) ignition switch may need replacement. If not under warranty one can argue for MB goodwill repair given bulletin documents “assembly issue”, defective switch was installed during production.
So the Vin after the A is not the same as in the bulletin for W212 and this means this car is affected by it.But how can i be sure because changing working parts with others parts its expensive and time consuming
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 12:15 PM
  #13  
pierrejoliat's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by lizart95
it's not sticking nor stoping.Where are the sensors located and how they look so i can find them? No warning or indication on the dash for this battery.Also i talked to the previous owner and he said he replaced it.
They are integrated into the door handle latch mechanisms, I wanted you to check this so it could be ruled out. Does the interior light work when opening each door individually? If the dash warning for auxiliary battery didn't come on, then it's likely not involved in this issue, if it's been changed, less likely. If it's the ignition switch, it should have thrown a fault code of some kind I believe. But Ive been on the forum for a decade and Koenigstiger hasn't been wrong yet.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 02:32 PM
  #14  
CaliBenzDriver's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,923
Likes: 6,776
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
needle in the haystack...

The pickle is datagram must go through CAN's and Gateways to reach TCU. Modules are not connected directly.

The question is what in your car makes TCU decide to go from D to P?

Hands-on:
Since you report no error are logged, then exercice each suspect module to test/find a matching issue by looking at live data.

​​​​​​There are a dozen modules on the bus including InstCluster, F-SAM, ECU... that can create your problem.

In addition to input modules that were mentioned earlier, how about your gear selector?

Use live data from your scanner or a Xentry to get full exposure.



Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 30, 2022 at 02:55 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 02:54 PM
  #15  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Post your VIN.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 03:59 PM
  #16  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
The pickle is datagram must go through CAN's and Gateways to reach TCU. Modules are not connected directly.

The question is what in your car makes TCU decide to go from D to P?

Hands-on:
Since you report no error are logged, then exercice each suspect module to test/find a matching issue by looking at live data.

​​​​​​There are a dozen modules on the bus including InstCluster, F-SAM, ECU... that can create your problem.

In addition to input modules that were mentioned earlier, how about your gear selector?

Use live data from your scanner or a Xentry to get full exposure.

So in the summer i visited the official MB dealer in my country .They said the car has "electrical problem" and nothing more (they have their secrets).They said the gear selector and the whole assembly need to be changed.When i got back i will try to replicate the issue and monitor the live data.
Reply
Old Jan 30, 2022 | 04:00 PM
  #17  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Post your VIN.
WDD2120021A497605 the car is european just so you know if that is important

Last edited by lizart95; Jan 30, 2022 at 04:02 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2022 | 10:31 AM
  #18  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
VIN is within bulletin affected range, not certain how bulletin will be received in your market. Here are EIS (bulletin) & column module (dealer recommendation) part #s.





Attached Files
File Type: pdf
WDD2120021A497605.pdf (88.4 KB, 80 views)

Last edited by konigstiger; Jan 31, 2022 at 12:05 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2022 | 01:48 PM
  #19  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by konigstiger
VIN is within bulletin affected range, not certain how bulletin will be received in your market. Here are EIS (bulletin) & column module (dealer recommendation) part #s.

thank you for this information .Why the car doesn't throw error codes/messages ? This an electronic fault logically it show show something.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2022 | 02:19 PM
  #20  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
If you read bulletin there is no mention of fault code(s) but rather “perform the guided test of the drive authorization system”.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2022 | 02:32 PM
  #21  
lizart95's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
212
Originally Posted by konigstiger
If you read bulletin there is no mention of fault code(s) but rather “perform the guided test of the drive authorization system”.
Yes i understand now.

Last edited by lizart95; Jan 31, 2022 at 02:39 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:10 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE