MBNiko

For anyone needing the replacement piece for the shifter, I have one in Plastic! PM Me if you need it.

jeninthekeys

I was almost stranded with this problem, so I took my car to the dealership and they quoted me 1250!!! I quietly left and went home and found this site. I read EVERY video and post I could! I felt confident enough to try it myself.

I removed the part and everything went well, I reconnected everything, and double checked.

So my problem now is that the car won't start... When I put the key in to start the car, the instrument panel comes on as I would expect, but the car won't crank. I suspected the battery, so I disconnected the battery cable and reconnected it. My car still wont crank. Does any one have any idea what else it might be? I tried my spare key but had no luck.

P.S. I tried to start it in both park and neutral

ohlord

battery. Overnight 10amps key out of ignition.
At least you will start at the beginning of any no crank problem and move down the diagnostic tree from step one. You can have dash lights,headlights,and still not have enough juice to turn it over.

Jud Chapin

Yes, I would test the battery. Other than that, are you sure you reconnected the shifter cable properly?

jeninthekeys

I checked the shifter cable and it looks good, at least from what I can tell. I may have disconnected it when it was in neutral and put it back in park. Would that make a difference? Is there a way to tell that it is in wrong?

I am going to google the "diagnostic tree" to figure out how to fix this. Thank you guys for all your help. Maybe I messed up the shifter cable getting the shifter out.

ohlord

IS THAT YOU START AT THE BASIC ROOT OF ANY NO CRANK PROBLEM
That is even if you suspect it is something else you always check the battery. Voltmeter or charge it.
Car has been sitting while you figured out the stuck in park problem. You think you solved that problem meanwhile the battery went dead and you keep chasing the problem thinking it is related to your stuck in park problem.
Start at the beginning eliminate the battery as the cause of the recent no crank problem and then continue with confidence that at least you have moved in the right direction.
It's like the guy who pays to have a T.V. repairman come to his house to fix the not working T.V. and the repairman reaches around back and plugs the cord into the socket

jeninthekeys

I charged the battery overnight hoping it would start in the morning, no luck.

This morning I had a friend give me a jump, still no start!

I tried starting it in drive and in neutral.

Thank you guys for all your help...I can't wait to get back on the road again, playing music with my old friends...

Jud Chapin

If you don't have the tools to test the battery by putting a load on it, take to Advance Auto or equivalent and have it properly tested. I wouldn't do anything until the battery is proven to be good. I don't think you can get the shifter cable screwed up as long as it's connected properly to the shifter. I've done this job on my '02 CL and read every post regarding the subject that I could find and do not recall anyone experiencing a no crank situation after the repair.

You did use the same shifter, right? If you installed a new or other one, it must be programmed with the MB Star Diagnostic System. Keep us posted.

jeninthekeys

Thanks guys, I guess it was the battery. I used a battery from a friends car and it worked! Now I just need to order the replacement part.

You guys are the best! I just can't thank you enough. I'll never go to the dealership again!!

Jud Chapin

You are welcome. I'm glad you got it.

ohlord

Costco sams club make sure it has the vent tube if required for your car.
See the merit in always starting out at the beginning of the Tree

Iwantedone7

I went through the shifter process ro remove the plastic pin and needed to replace the battery like this person. My 2004 S500 started, I ran it in the garage for about 5 minutes, so I went inside to watch March Madness. After the games I came out to start the car & take a test drive. Now I have full power, no cranking though. Nothing when I turn the key to ingnition position. Weird. I have been checking fuses, to no avail. Suggestions?

nafljhy

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forums and I've recently come across this issue. Does anyone know any reputable shops to get this issue fixed near Pasadena, CA?

Thank you guys for your help and time.

Kind Regards,
Pat

shp

Hi. New here.

Just got this problem on my s430. I am going to make my mechanic remove the plastic thing on Monday when he quotes me. He originally estimated $900...

Iwantedone7

You and SHP should view the video posted on youtube for mercedes stuck in park. The process takes time but is easy. I have an electrical problem now, but the pin was broken just like everyone said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsxUF...eature=related

nafljhy

oh, i have. i've never done anything like this and thats why i was asking about a place. but i'm willing to give it a try though. :o

Iwantedone7

I haven't done such either, but it wasn't too hard. I just had a MBZ mechanic stop by to give advice for the starting problem. I need to have the ECU for re-programmed evidently.

wolex11

hi, please do u still have the plastic part for the shifter...I'm in chicago and need one desperately...Thanks in advance

Supergenius40

Sounds like you can't use your car and you need transportation. You can drive the car without the plastic part. The shifter will not lock nor require pressing the brake to shift out of park. Its a work around until you get the part. Just use the emergency brake when you park the car.

Follow the steps to repair, remove the plastic part and reinstall the shifter and center console. NOTE; make sure the key is off before you remove the shifter.

wolex11

I just took out the broken plastic part but I was just checking if anyone had the plastic part before I reinstall the shifter...that way I could put in a new plastic piece before I reinstall the shifter.

zam2000

Look for "MB Tech" in Monterey Park, I think they're at corner of Garvey and Garfield.

Would be one of the best auto shop expericence you have

Jud Chapin

How about an update. Doing so may help Forum members with similar problems. This is how we all learn.

Iwantedone7

[quote=Jud Chapin;4616169]How about an update. Doing so may help Forum members with similar problems. This is how we all learn.

[The shop said I had a cable by the shifter connected to the wrong port. It has run fine since then. Thanks everyone. I did not replace the pin.]

Jud Chapin

Thanks for the update. Out of curiosity, did MB Roadside Assist. tell you initially that the ECU needed to be reprogrammed? That didn't make sense to me as you did nothing to disturb it. I thought these guys are supposed to be ace techs. Also, I'd be interested in knowing how you got the shifter plug installed incorrectly. It seems to me that like the vast majority of electrical plugs, it can only be installed the correct way. Thanks again and glad you're back on the road again.

Jud Chapin

I know this is an old thread, but for those interested, pulling the shifter out of park will allow the pin to be pushed back. It is just loose in there and has no functionality. I left it out when I removed the broken plastic piece on my '02 CL. The only thing I can think of is that MB put the pin there to prevent removal of the shifter when in park as access to the bolt under it is prevented when in this position. Do you think think they did it to screw up guys like us when doing this job? LOL!