I have a 2010 ML350 with 8000 miles and since day one have experienced an issue (problem) with the transmission wanting to stay in 2nd gear. It happens once or twice a week; when starting to accelerate the transmission will stay in 2nd gear almost to the redline. I am not starting rapidly in fact it even happens while starting off going down my street which is a rather steep hill. It is as if I have a manual transmission and left it in 2nd gear. The dealer (one of NJ's largest MB dealers) said they could not replicate problem thus nothing was done. I'd appreciate any feedback as to what may be wrong. I've read some forums where there was talk about a limp home option when the vehicle stays in 2nd gear. Thx

 

My diesel likes to stay in 2nd, especially when the engine is cold. At about 32-34mph and 2800rpm it decides to shift into the next gear. Not sure about gas models. Just my 2 cents.

 

Are you going down hill on that steep hill? If so, your tranny works correctly. It will not shift into higher gear for safety reasons. The car senses it is going downhill and uses the best for conditions gear. Does this happen all over? When you are on a flat long stretch of the road when coming from a dead stop? Can you use the manual shifters to change to third etc? Regarding limp mode, i think once it engages it doesn't go back unless a tech resets it.