'98 S420 won't shift from first gear...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
2002 Mercedes Benz E320
'98 S420 won't shift from first gear...
My cousin has a '98 S420, 126k miles. It's been sitting for a while, but it has always worked really nice. Now it just won't shift from 1st.
What could be the problem?
What could be the problem?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
Guessing you have 1st, 2nd and R only. Is "limp home mode", caused when the trans detects an internal fault that could cause damage.
Needs to be scanned using SDS (MB laptop) or other very high end scanner capable of reading that module.
A good MB tech can view trans adaptations values and *see* how the trans has been recently adjusting itself internally to maintain quality shifts and determine the problem.
Ammco can't; and will only suggest rplacing with a rebuilt unit.
Might check the trans harness and see if fluid has leaked into it. Can wick up to the TCU and fry it and cause LHM.
P, R, N and D are mechanical. The rest is electronic.
Needs to be scanned using SDS (MB laptop) or other very high end scanner capable of reading that module.
A good MB tech can view trans adaptations values and *see* how the trans has been recently adjusting itself internally to maintain quality shifts and determine the problem.
Ammco can't; and will only suggest rplacing with a rebuilt unit.
Might check the trans harness and see if fluid has leaked into it. Can wick up to the TCU and fry it and cause LHM.
P, R, N and D are mechanical. The rest is electronic.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
09' E320
Depends how handy you are.....there are times where the dealer with their high level of tech is the lesser of evils. Trans, at least as pertains to the diagnosis, is one of those times in my opinion.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
