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Hey MB owners, My name is Jeffrey and I am new to this page. I drive a 2011 E350
. Hope to get information and share information as I like to work on my car from time to time. Currently having issues with the transmission going into limp mode. It started a while back and I would just cycle power to get it to clear. That worked until it didn't work no more. I went ahead a changed the oil in the transmission along with the filter of course. Removed the Conductor plate while I had the pan off and cleaned it. The code that I was getting was a 2716 which populated a faulty y3/8y4. I didn't change the solenoid out of ignorance and since the given symptom could have been cause by dirty fluid. Oil was in obvious need of replacement but the pan had no signs of metal or heavy debris. I used a multimeter to check continuity on all 8 solenoid and the checked out good. After the oil change the problem went away but it recently came back. I have order the solenoids to replace them and hoping that it does the trick. Thou, I am uncertain if the solenoids need to be calibrated some how and also if I need to replace all the bolts that holds the pan since I changed them 2 months ago. If anyone has had a similar issue and would like to chime in it would be greatly appreciated.
JG12 is online now Report Post
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Did you change out the 8 solenoids? How exactly did you clean them?
I read in one of the transmission threads that the solenoids are matched to the valve body and that they are not designed to be replaced. That doesn't make sense since you can purchase them separately from Mercedes. You do, however, need to perform a gear selection adaptation of replaced solenoids. There is also a video on YouTube showing how to clean the solenoid screens with a magnet.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
This may also help. Please note that the document has an error. When you read it, it will show pictures of the ends of the solenoids. Caption of picture B says you can reinstall the solenoid. This is wrong because further in the text it says to replace any solenoids that look like pictures A or B.
EDIT: After watching the video again, picture B may be OK.
No, I did not change any solenoids that time. I just cleaned them using break cleaner which according to the video is a no no. I do not recall seeing anything out of whack. I am wondering if the car will not run if I proceed in installing the new solenoids. I dont see how the solenoids would be programmed since they are just that, solenoids. I may be wrong!
I will be at it this Saturday and I hope I get it going.
The surgery you're doing requires no mistake being made else every iteration takes lots of time around.
You will need a XENTRY computer or a good pro grade scanner to train/learn the new solenoids.
The TCU needs to know how to pulse each one while measuring the results it wants.
These small solenoids push pistons in the valve body. The pistons direct ATF pressure to clutch packs and brakes. That's what the TCU needs to learn to do well.
The fault you're getting does not mean "bad solenoid"... I have the huntch it has more to do with frictions not cooperating... O-Rings cooked hard into pieces.
The best way to save time would be to read THE FAULT SETTING CRITERIA to understand the conditions the TCU is flagging.
Let's see for fact what that points out...
(worn clutch/brakes?)
What saves time is: "do it right, do it once"... now is the time to troubleshoot.
Hat's off to individuals who rebuild transmission for a living
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 2, 2024 at 02:06 PM.
@JG12 I have replaced thousands of these conductor plates in the last 19 years of working with Mercedes Benz cars. Forget about solenoids, the code that you have is 100% bad conductor plate. Problem with these conductor plates is that they are TRP(theft related part) from Mercedes so you can not purchase them unless you are a licensed repair facility. Getting it rebuild would be an option, but I have never heard or seen a good repair on these. They always fail in a short time. Your best bet is to take to the dealer but expect to pay over $2k or independent shop that has the license to purchase the part and to program and code it after replacement. This code can also show up if there is any metal in the pan from wear and tear. Did you see or find any metal shavings???
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
@MBENZTECH is correct. You will eventually have to get a new conductor plate from the dealer and it will cost about $2000 to have it installed -- you cannot DIY, the dealer will not sell it to you. When my conductor plate went bad in my 2004 SL500, I eventually went and had the dealer replace it. At the time (~ 5½ years ago), it cost me about $1700, which was not bad considering that it included a $600 transmission service (fluid and filter change).
If the fault is proven to be limited to your conductor plate only without any mechanical issue...
then either clean/replace shaft sensors or
else get your unit repaired/recertified nice and easy
you can get your very own unit turned around in simply one day for $399.
At the point you're at with parts already out on the bench...
@CaliBenzDriver I was thinking the same thing.
On the positive side for @JG12 , company says...."If you are experiencing any other error codes than the ones listed above, please give us a call....to discuss options."
Also, you can rent a scan tool from them, if needed, for a modest fee.
I have used them for an appliance that has about the same volume as my E, for a circuit board exchange. All good.
(I have no affiliation with the company.)
@CaliBenzDriver I was thinking the same thing.
On the positive side for @JG12 , company says...."If you are experiencing any other error codes than the ones listed above, please give us a call....to discuss options."
Also, you can rent a scan tool from them, if needed, for a modest fee.
I have used them for an appliance that has about the same volume as my E, for a circuit board exchange. All good.
(I have no affiliation with the company.)
-- Agreed... the on-line tranny specialist should be able to clearly state if they can refurb OP's unit.
If not the first one, reach for another service provider that will hopefully know their turf.
The mystery code references a set of criteria clearly spelled in Xentry. Ignoring that is the $3k gamble
-- There is no good reason for DIY'ers to blow cash on big tickets without true evidence.
This repair may need a rebuild with no conductor module.
Only the code criteria holds the clues.
-- Swapping parts only comes 2nd after troubleshooting because DIY'ers have many good options open
half-dozen pressure DTC... set by fault criteria
the solenoid have been replaced already....
the same issue is traced beyond solenoid!
it's what solenoids do that's not happening
that may well be mechanical clutch/brake... or not ?
no reason to rush at wasting good parts
Why are most DTC so misleading... like "misfiring" codes for bent rods
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 3, 2024 at 02:30 AM.
Thank you @MBENZTECH. When I removed the conductor plate I did NOT see any signs of metal shaving nowhere. Both magnets on the oil pan had some build up and that was to be expected but certainly no metal shavings. The first time my vehicle went on limp mode I stopped at a local shop who specialize in foreign cars and they estimated $2k for the parts and another $2k-$2.5K for the labor. That got me sick to my stomach right away and I decided to take a stab at it. It wasn't a bad job and I felt great after all was done and the car was shifting flawlessly with no issues. I thinking on getting the conductor plate repaired at this one place in Greenville, SC, replace the solenoids with the ones I ordered and getting the local shop to adapt them for me. More to come.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
Why are most DTC so misleading... like "misfiring" codes for bent rods
Because DTCs are triggered by symptoms that can be measured or detected. There are no sensors to measure or detect a bent rod; but there are ones to detect misfires caused by a bent rod.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by JG12
Thank you @MBENZTECH. When I removed the conductor plate I did NOT see any signs of metal shaving nowhere. Both magnets on the oil pan had some build up and that was to be expected but certainly no metal shavings. The first time my vehicle went on limp mode I stopped at a local shop who specialize in foreign cars and they estimated $2k for the parts and another $2k-$2.5K for the labor. That got me sick to my stomach right away and I decided to take a stab at it. It wasn't a bad job and I felt great after all was done and the car was shifting flawlessly with no issues. I thinking on getting the conductor plate repaired at this one place in Greenville, SC, replace the solenoids with the ones I ordered and getting the local shop to adapt them for me. More to come.
I have used CircuitBoardMedics and they know their stuff. $400 may be worth trying before spending $2000+ with the dealer. The local shop doesn't know what they are doing -- unless it is a full rebuild of the tranny -- or maybe they do to get your money. You can get a certified rebuilt tranny for $3500 from https://fdt-online.com/722-9.html. I would certainly get details on what they propose doing.
Since your DTC identifies the K3 Clutch Control Solenoid Valve as failing, this may be helpful.
I have used CircuitBoardMedics and they know their stuff. $400 may be worth trying before spending $2000+ with the dealer. The local shop doesn't know what they are doing -- unless it is a full rebuild of the tranny -- or maybe they do to get your money. You can get a certified rebuilt tranny for $3500 from https://fdt-online.com/722-9.html. I would certainly get details on what they propose doing.
Since your DTC identifies the K3 Clutch Control Solenoid Valve as failing, this may be helpful.
There you go: the infamous K3 this 722.9 needs frictions... NOT a control module
that's a different job all together
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