M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

ML320 Transmission problem

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Old Oct 20, 2010 | 10:22 PM
  #1  
shergar45's Avatar
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ML320
ML320 Transmission problem

I have an ML320 which is stuck in 1st gear. How do I free it and what repair will it need?
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Old Oct 24, 2010 | 11:58 AM
  #2  
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From: IL
07 E63, 04 discovery
not going to be able to free it if cycling the key does nothing for you. its in limp home mode which couild be a couple different causes. one common problem is the conductor plate that sits on top of the valve body in the transmission. the speed sensor likes to fail and cause the trans to go into limp home mode
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Old Oct 24, 2010 | 02:51 PM
  #3  
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ML320
Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.
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Old Oct 24, 2010 | 07:31 PM
  #4  
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Limp mode

is second gear and reverse you can't physically move the shifter out of first gear? or what is happening exactly?
Have you tried disconnecting the battery and resetting the transmission?
Any issues with the transmission lately?
Spilled any liquid down by the shifter?
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Old Sep 4, 2011 | 11:02 PM
  #5  
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ML320
Location of the TCM on 02 ML320

I want to thank so many for your posts. I had a transmission that would not shift out of 1st gear, went into drive and reverse, however, when in drive it would not shift out of 1st gear. The location of the TCM is driver-side under panel above pedals closest to the center. Transmission BCM/ECU 787839 TRANS ECU,030 545 26 32 OEM cost me $195.

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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 07:25 PM
  #6  
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ML 320
Originally Posted by RickML320
I want to thank so many for your posts. I had a transmission that would not shift out of 1st gear, went into drive and reverse, however, when in drive it would not shift out of 1st gear. The location of the TCM is driver-side under panel above pedals closest to the center. Transmission BCM/ECU 787839 TRANS ECU,030 545 26 32 OEM cost me $195.

Question did your truck when driving shift into first gear while driving at like 55 mph to or no.
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 02:32 AM
  #7  
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ML320
hope this helps... stuck in first gear

Well, top speed was no more than 45 MPH. If the issue only occurs once in a while, I would start with fluid level check. And O ring replacement.

Transmission Filler Tube; Dipstick Tool... need to search for best price for this.
OES Genuine Oil Dipstick for select Mercedes-Benz models ~ $25

00004330401 ATF, Automatic Transmission Fluid; Lifetime Synthetic Transmission Fluid; 1 Liter Bottle ~ $12

1409910055 Transmission Filler Tube; Lock Pin for Filler Cap; Red Plastic ~ $2

This has also been known to cause issues.
2035400253 Auto Trans Conductor Plate; Adapter Plug with O-Rings ~ $5

You will need an IR Thermometer ~ $10

This may sound odd, but, it is a regular maintenance item and it may be the answer... check or replace the battery... no assume!
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 02:33 AM
  #8  
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ML320
There are other posts... this is more of a second gear.
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Old Jan 2, 2013 | 02:45 PM
  #9  
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mercedes ml320
ML 320, year 2000 Stuck in Gear with hazard lights on, but only until engine has worm

Hi, I’m new to this forum and was wandering if anyone could help and advice. I have a problem with my ML320, basically when the car is cold the gearbox sticks in gear, the gear in which it sticks varies. additionally the following warning light remain ON BAS/ESP Malfunction, ETS Malfunction, ABS Malfunction, Brake Pads Worn, in addition to this the brake warning light is on and the alarm sounds for the first 10 seconds. Whilst driving the speedo doesn’t work and the fuel gauge fluctuates. After the first hour of driving around in whichever gear it decides to stick in, I would also add that whilst this problem occurs it is possible to change from drive to reverse gear ??? ALL the above problems don’t occur ???

I have changed the following sensors, all 4 ABS/ Speed sensors, Cam shaft sensor, I have also serviced the gearbox with new oil filter and gaskets.

CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE, THANKS
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Old Jan 2, 2013 | 06:36 PM
  #10  
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ML320
it seems to be an electrical issue

you might try the following relay
0025422619 Multi-Purpose Relay/Combination Relay; 4 Prong Connection
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Old Mar 27, 2013 | 07:00 PM
  #11  
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2000 ML320
trans in limp mode (2nd gear and rev. only)

had the same problem, reset by disconnecting the battery. intermittent problem was caused by shorted wires in harness going to the transmission.
heat from exaust pipe over time caused insulation to melt causing short.
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Old Nov 27, 2013 | 02:16 PM
  #12  
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ML320
After market warranty on 2001 ML320

Hi all,

I just purchased a 2001 ML320 w/only 58,000 miles. It's in mint condition inside/out. I'm thinking I need to purchase an aftermarket warranty but having issues as no one wants to warranty a car over 10 yrs. old.

while i owned my saab for 10 yrs, purchased all my parts online - was fun. don't know anything about benz and don't want any surprised.

I don't drive much and very happy with it!

Looking for warranty recommendations. Do I need one?

Tks ~
Nancy
216-288-0420
njpatterson_2000@yahoo.com
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Old Jan 9, 2014 | 12:19 PM
  #13  
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ML320
How do you post new questions?

Hi,

I have 2 wrenches appearing where my mileage is when starting my ML320 SUV. Is this an A or B service? And...should I do it?

Where do I buy rear coils and shocks - is it a rear strut assembly? I have a mechanic who can install.

Also, not sure how to post new? help?

Tks...

******

Hi all,

I just purchased a 2001 ML320 w/only 58,000 miles. It's in mint condition inside/out. I'm thinking I need to purchase an aftermarket warranty but having issues as no one wants to warranty a car over 10 yrs. old.

while i owned my saab for 10 yrs, purchased all my parts online - was fun. don't know anything about benz and don't want any surprised.

I don't drive much and very happy with it!

Looking for warranty recommendations. Do I need one?

Tks ~
Nancy
216-288-0420
njpatterson_2000@yahoo.com[/QUOTE]
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2014 | 03:26 PM
  #14  
art_arev's Avatar
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From: Harare, Zimbabwe
2003 ML55,2007 ML63
Check this link & download a manual for your year ML. And it will explain the spanners & how to reset them
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...enance_manuals

Come out from here and go to the main page and press new tread.
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Old Jan 10, 2014 | 07:58 PM
  #15  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
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From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
You can just ignore the wrenches. They are just a come on to get you into the dealership. Then they will give you a list of things to replace, mostly all of which you do not need.

Below is the link to down load your year owner's manual and in that manual you can read about the wrenches FSS on pages 79 and 87. Just learn how to reset the system and ignore them in the future.

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...&class=M-Class

As for the rear struts too many people think that they have a harsh ride but that is the way the truck was designed. If they are not leaking or the springs are not broken, don;t waste your money by replacing them.

As for the warranty, that is more money spent that will not pay any dividends. They take your money and then when it is time for a repair they tell you" that isn't covered"
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Old Jan 12, 2014 | 02:59 PM
  #16  
np4175's Avatar
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ML320
Right rear strut is broken - where to buy them?

Thank you for all your info. It's dead on. However, I did talk with the previous mechanic and he did say that the rear right strut was broken. I can really feel the bouncing over tracks, snow etc. I was also told you need to buy them in pairs.

I decided to not purchase a warranty and keep my money for repairs. Where should I buy the struts? Do they have to be MB parts or can I buy after market?

Tks!

****************





Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
You can just ignore the wrenches. They are just a come on to get you into the dealership. Then they will give you a list of things to replace, mostly all of which you do not need.

Below is the link to down load your year owner's manual and in that manual you can read about the wrenches FSS on pages 79 and 87. Just learn how to reset the system and ignore them in the future.

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...&class=M-Class

As for the rear struts too many people think that they have a harsh ride but that is the way the truck was designed. If they are not leaking or the springs are not broken, don;t waste your money by replacing them.

As for the warranty, that is more money spent that will not pay any dividends. They take your money and then when it is time for a repair they tell you" that isn't covered"
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2014 | 06:00 PM
  #17  
Jimelhalabi's Avatar
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Ml 320
Hi there any clou what cause the transmission to some time stay on first gear and the sport change gear dosent work the light on the dash stay on D
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Old Oct 7, 2022 | 06:43 PM
  #18  
ErnestMcafee's Avatar
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From: Ozarks
2008 ml 320
2008 ml 320 shifts on dash ,but doesn't go in gear

Ml 320 shifts on dash ,but Niether d or r work at all entered highway about mile down road transmission became unresponsive no drive no reverse ,neutral does work ,no noise ,no smells no fluid on ground at all set over night and no o change

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