sammac9

I have a ‘13 GL 450 without the off-road package. I want to be able to turn on/off manual shifting as I wish. I drive in snow quite often and manual shifting is the only way to go. As you are all aware this vehicle shifts out of manual after about 15 seconds.

Does anyone know if it is possible to tune the transmission to enable manual mode? Perhaps install a switch to turn it on/off? Any referrals if you have them?
Thanks all!

BlownV8

Does your GL have an M mode? If so, it will hold the gear. My GL has it.

sammac9

Thanks for your post.
My GL has the paddle shifters and the M does appear on the dash when I use them but it always returns to auto after a few. I have noticed that it will remain in manual for longer periods, but only when there is stress on the engine, ie, going downhill. As soon as it levels out or I accelerate, and if I don’t constantly shift, it returns to drive.
Is there a way to keep it in manual of that I’m unaware?

mtm

Something's wrong. It should stay in manual until you hold down the upshift paddle.

sammac9

Hmm. From what I’ve been able to find out it looks like my model is unable to maintain manual mode. It appears to be tuned to revert to drive after a few. Only off road equipped or AMG models have ability to stay in manual. Either this or mine is malfunctioning.

mtm

Mine is a 2013 GL450 without off-road package and it will stay in manual unless you press and hold the upshift paddle. From what you are describing, yours seems to be malfunctioning.

sammac9

Ok. Thanks. Guess I’ll pay a visit to the dealer.

chsu74

Off road package option gives you a "M" button on the center console which keeps gear selection from going back to auto.

Broke Logic

There is no issue with your trans there is no "permanent" M mode without the offroad or AMG. I'm looking for someone to tune my trans to have that option but ots hard to find. There is someone on youtube that did it but I can't find anyone else yet...

sammac9

Thanks. I figured out that this is deliberate by MB. What an awful decision on their end. Worst thing about the car. Keep me updated if you find anyone to remedy this issue, I’ll do the same. Thanks