ML320 lights on dash, and wont shift out of 1st gear HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
Mercedes ML320
New to mbworld and need help. 1 owner 01 ML320 has 125k miles. After driving approx 15 minutes. 4 left warning lights come and also brake light. When lights come on it stays in whatever gear it was in when the lights came on. When I stop and turn the key off and restart-lights go off and runs great. Should I check the sensors also? Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 282
Likes: 5
From: Brisbane, Australia
2002 ML320, 2003 A160
Your problem is called "mechanical-hydraulic limp-home mode". You can Google it, or find more info on limp-home mode in your owner's manual. To track down the fault, you need codes read by an MB dealer or independent Mercedes-specialist mechanic with Star Diagnosis or equivalent high-powered scanner. An ordinary DIY-mechanic OBD2 scanner can't read these codes.
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 140
From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
Newbie
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
ML320 W163
Was the source of the problem ever identified? I have the same, and MB in Germany is
I posted this last month, heres my posting:
I have a 2001 ML320, and the shop that has it is stumped as to why the problem is occuring, they have scanned it, and found this. First, they cleared the codes, and found the B1041 code as Can communication trans to track control system faulty, then another code, P2068, P20CC rough rode detection signal, P2036 Incorrect can message from control unit, and B1470 as well.
The problem came as my wife was driving it, the speedo went dead, several warning lights came on, but she could still drive it fine. It happens on and off sometimes it happens several times, corrects itself, drives fine, then happens again, the shop is not for sure what to fix, and the next deal is the MB dealer, PLEASE, any help!
The ML now sits, and will sit, maybe forever, I have found NOBODY that can fix it for sure, everybody seems stumped on this problem, but after reading other fourms, I see that I am not alone! Ohters have had this exact problem too, but I have yet to find that they got there car fixed ever! WOW, Had I known this, I would have NEVER bought an ML. I own a Porsche service shop, but we can only read what the scanner says (see above) not sure what to do, but park it for good! Yes, we replaced the brake light switch, that cleared ONE code only.
I think its odd, that not event he MB dealer is sure what to do, except throw parts at it thill they find it, which gets very expensive, and if they replace a part, I am stuck with it, regardless of if mine was bad.
I can replace the computer for the track system for roughly my cost of $380, but it seems odd that this will fix everything, and allow it to shift out of first gear too!
WHY so many problems that occured within a second of driving it one day, everyhting happened all at once. Unless anybody can help, it stays parked in my lot forever, if I cant fix it, or find someone who can, seems weird for MB, never had a problem like this with Porshes!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a 2001 ML320, and the shop that has it is stumped as to why the problem is occuring, they have scanned it, and found this. First, they cleared the codes, and found the B1041 code as Can communication trans to track control system faulty, then another code, P2068, P20CC rough rode detection signal, P2036 Incorrect can message from control unit, and B1470 as well.
The problem came as my wife was driving it, the speedo went dead, several warning lights came on, but she could still drive it fine. It happens on and off sometimes it happens several times, corrects itself, drives fine, then happens again, the shop is not for sure what to fix, and the next deal is the MB dealer, PLEASE, any help!
The ML now sits, and will sit, maybe forever, I have found NOBODY that can fix it for sure, everybody seems stumped on this problem, but after reading other fourms, I see that I am not alone! Ohters have had this exact problem too, but I have yet to find that they got there car fixed ever! WOW, Had I known this, I would have NEVER bought an ML. I own a Porsche service shop, but we can only read what the scanner says (see above) not sure what to do, but park it for good! Yes, we replaced the brake light switch, that cleared ONE code only.
I think its odd, that not event he MB dealer is sure what to do, except throw parts at it thill they find it, which gets very expensive, and if they replace a part, I am stuck with it, regardless of if mine was bad.
I can replace the computer for the track system for roughly my cost of $380, but it seems odd that this will fix everything, and allow it to shift out of first gear too!
WHY so many problems that occured within a second of driving it one day, everyhting happened all at once. Unless anybody can help, it stays parked in my lot forever, if I cant fix it, or find someone who can, seems weird for MB, never had a problem like this with Porshes!!!!!!!!!!!!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 4
2001 ML320
my W163 2001 ML320 is limp
Hello all, been to two differnet shops...My ML320 is old, but I love it, ran great till one morning, dropped my cousin off at work, left it running for like 3 minutes, walked dog, got in, and put it into reverse, slammed into gear....backed up and put it into Drive...slammed again....Drove but would not shift out of 1st gear.....replaced TCM, checked battery, alternator, all fuses and nothing....Did get a check engine light which said my main solenoid was faulty. Had it checked and tested and all good.....first shop gave up at second shop and no clue....according to everything that has been checked the transmission is fine, 100% electrical, but only two codes, one in ECU about error in TCM, and the TCM code related to the solenoid which both shops say is fine and does not need to be changed. They are going to be changing the conductor plate next since they believe this is the problem, but unsure. Will update when I know, any idea's they are welcome...
