2000 Ml430 Won't shift out of park
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
ML430
2000 Ml430 Won't shift out of park
The other day I turned off my Ml430 and when I cranked it back up and put my foot on the brake to put the car in gear the shifter would not come out of park. So I got under the car and taped what looked to be the solenoid to me and the car then went from park to drive but would not pull off. When I tried to put the car back into park it wouldn't so I had to put it in neutral to turn it off. What could be the problem?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Your brake light switch controls the releasing of the shifter.
Also you should be aware of the information in your owner's manual for emergency release of the shifter.
Also you should be aware of the information in your owner's manual for emergency release of the shifter.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 2
From: Newton, MA
2007 ML350 4Matic Gasoline
brake light switch
The brake light switch was recalled last year. The switch must be operable to properly release the transmission. ( Shifter interlock)
First test that your brake lights are functioning. If they are not, the dealer will replace the switch at no charge. The switch is located under the lower dash area just above the brake pedal. It takes about 5 minutes to remove the lower panel, remove the switch, replace with new, and put the panel back on. If you would rather do it yourself to get it over with, the switch is about $20.00.
The shifter interlock could be faulty, but the most likely problem is the brake light switch. They are known to fail. Hopefully the redesigned part is a rest of vehicle life part.
First test that your brake lights are functioning. If they are not, the dealer will replace the switch at no charge. The switch is located under the lower dash area just above the brake pedal. It takes about 5 minutes to remove the lower panel, remove the switch, replace with new, and put the panel back on. If you would rather do it yourself to get it over with, the switch is about $20.00.
The shifter interlock could be faulty, but the most likely problem is the brake light switch. They are known to fail. Hopefully the redesigned part is a rest of vehicle life part.
