panej

In the past couple of months, I noticed that my transmission in my 2000 ML430 would stop shifting while driving on the highway by the high RPM. I would usually pull over, restart the engine and it would go back to normal. Lately it started getting more frequent and today, the check-engine-light came on and it would not shift from first gear no matter what. The only two gears that are functional now are reverse and first gear.
Any ideas?

pointman

limp home mode... you have to take it in to the dealer.

panej

Took it to the dealer and after 2 days of diagnostics, was told that I need a new transmission which will cost $5100.00!!!!!!
I do not have a warranty for this truck and really cannot afford the cost of repairs. Can anyone help with information on any possible less expensive repair?

Swiss Nick

Can't really help, but all I know is that MBs (in the UK anyway) will not repair transmissions, they simply replace. My dad who is a independent Merc specialist gets the tranmissions repaired by a transmission specialist. Perhaps it might be worth you checking around for transmission specialists who would undertake to repair yours. Is it possible to find reconditioned boxes in the US?

Sorry can't help.

sosh

Stay away from the trans shop chains and small local shops. They do not have the equipment to properly test their work, particularly the electronics. this is not a common failure as I have not heard or read of many failures like this. It could be just the trans electronic module and not the trans itself. I would get a second opinion from another dealer. If in fact the original diagnosis is correct you will just have to belly up to the bar and have it replaced. You really should not be driving a vehicle that is expensive to repair if you cannot afford to do so.

O Dogg

sosh, I see your point about having the money to fix an expensive vehicle. However, a transmission overhaul is going to be expensive on any vehicle.

Harder

Hi,

I feel your pain. Had a similar problem on a POS Volvo XC70 I use to own.

Anyway, if your mileage is low, that is just over the 50Kmile mark than I would go and have a chat with a factory rep. Argue the point that Mercedes-Benz cars/SUVs are suppose to be more reliable and offer to split the cost. That is you pay for the Labor and Mercedes pays for the Transmission.

However, if you have over 100K miles than I would go and find a good Independent Mercedes repair shop and have him change out the transmission. You will find the cost to be a lot less than the Dealer. And there is no rocket science involved in changing out the transmission. It should not take more then 8hours of labor.

Good Luck,

Steven---

boyce_C

find used parts dealer i pretty good stuff i got a brand new tranny and motor for 6 g'S work awasome

drummerboy

I'd agree with sosh on the second opinion......

It'd be sure nice if it's just the Electronics. Any Leaks underneath??

I don't know any better........but 2 Days to diagnose the problem??

panej

No leaks anywhere

drummerboy

ahopeter, suggested a limphome mode.

There's a lot of electronics interdependent on each other. I really don't want to believe it's the Tranny.....'cause I'd like to think they indestructible.....but that's just me.

This may or may not have anything to do with it.....but wait for some more advice:

Unplug the Mass Airflow Sensor........Start it up.....Should still run.
Take it out and see if there's any changes.

I think unplugging the Mass Airflow sensor makes the computer think differently. Yeah I know..... a little off the wall!

I ran mine for a few months with it unplugged. You can check some of my other post.