ML320 0730 error code.
 

My wifes 2002 ML320 sport will only go into 1st gear or reverse. It happened about 1 year ago for a few minutes but now it is almost all the time. Is this Limp mode? I cant imagine 1st gear as limp home ? Any ideas I can do before byting bullit and taking it to trans shop? Thanks in advance. Oh yeah, I am a newbie here but been on forums for years. I drive a 95 E420 and a Harley.

moved to W163 forum...

Welcome BluesmanSF, :)

You need to scan for saved codes and post them here.

Trans codes. PO835, P2404, P240D,P2600, Engine codes. P2069-004, P2069-016 and 206A-004.

When was the last time you changed the tranny oil?
Have you checked and replace the Connector/adapter plug?
And check the harness for "weeping" leakage that travels up the harness ?

EDIT: whats the "206A-004"? typo error?

What lights in the Instrument Cluster are on?

Is the ESP light on?

Please check for codes in the Transfer Case control module.

That is not a typo.
Never changed oil, car has 113k
Interesting you say about weeping oil. noticed oil at the Transmission control module. Sorry where is the connector/adaptor plg?

humm, sorry, not familiar with that code.
Im guessing your tranny oil is gonna be black and filthy. change it and post it's contents.

The search engine is your best friend BluesmanSF. Here on this forum and abroad. :)
Here's one of many examples (may no be the best...) to your query:

Will change it this weekend, Thank you

Trans problem
 

I got too busy to change oil and it seems no indy's here in SF want to do a simple trans oil and filter change for less than 400 bucks?? anyway I added about 2/3rd quart gradually over about a wee. Now I still get the 730d error code on the dash and it will clunk when i put it in R or D but If I turn the car off and wait 30 seconds and restart it sometimes more than once it will then shift into park then drive with no clunk and it drives normally but if I turn it off I might have to again go thru this motion again. Any ideas> Thank you in advance.

If it displays minus 730d then it means that maintenance is 730 days overdue.

As for the "clunking", that has nothing to do with the display of 730d
You need to scan for saved error codes and post here.

Clear the codes and see if any come up again.

The clunking is occurring on level ground?
You never answered..... what's the condition / color of the oil?

Did you review the video and check the connector/adapter plug?

Step no 1: Remove the trans control module and clean it thoroughly with 'brake cleaner' to remove the oil that has wicked up the wiring cable. Then replace the plug connector on the transmission to prevent further oil fouling of the TCM.
Correct the trans fluid level to spec--not low, not too high either.
If still not working right, have the car completely SCANNED at a MBZ Dealer.. mANY DIFFERENT THINGS INTERACT WITH TCM & ENGINE CM. DO NOT waste money and time throwing any other parts at the problem until it is PROPERLY DIAGNOSED.