I have searched the forums trying to find a solution to error code P0705 Trans range sensor circuit malfuncton that showed up in my 2001 S500 today. Several similar experiences are stated about how cars will not shift out of the lower gears. That is the case with mine. When it first happened I turned around headed back to the driveway, parked and noticed that the shifter would not go past neutral into Reverse (R) or Park(P). I turned the car off, cranked her back up and had full range of the shifter movement P thru D, the problem was corrected for the time being and it drove and shifted gears like normal. After stopping at he local breakfast place, parked, turned it off, got back in 10 minutes later, started up and had the problem again. Turned it off, restarted, and problem corrected itself, however this time the check engine light stayed on. Got home hooked up the diagnostic tool and pulled code P0705. Here's the kick in the groin. Three years ago I had the ole stuck in park dilemma and had the console pulled and the gear shift module rebuilt and had that plastic part that causes problems when it breaks replaced with a metal part. I'm hoping that it's not the shift module again and wanted to see if anyone else has had a simliar experience. Restarting, which I'm thinking also reboots, appears to temporarily correct problem.

 

Any spillage on around the shifting area, or where you live did you experience any heavy rain before this started happening?... Sounds like the transmission control module might have gone bad.

 

No spillage but I did wash it at the car wash with the high pressure wand a couple of days before the problem started. As I said, I had the shifter module rebuilt 3 years ago. Had to pull the console to get to it. $900 for the job and that was a good deal. Is the transmission module different from the shifter module? Also, can't figure why after restarting the problem corrects itself until the next start. Brake light / shift lever switch is working however, noticed that when it is stuck in low when the brake pedal is tapped the shifter switch engages and there is a very audible click in neutral or Drive. It doesn't do that when working properly. Possibly the shifter module is not accepting the input from the brake light / shifter release switch. Just a guess.

 

Took it to the dealership and had the shifter replaced, $1364.00. Problem solved! This is a classic example of the what it is like to own a mercedes. When they are operating properly they are top of the line, comfortable, quiet, powerful, beautiful. When there are multiple nagging problems, we are being kicked in the groin and having our wallets stolen. We are all suckers for the former.

 

hello hawk49,
I'm having the same issue right now. What do you mean with shifter replaced? Do you remember what exactly they did and what they changed?

Thank you a lot

Chris

 

Previously when I had the stuck in park problem the dealer replaced my entire shifter. Their mantra is basically "we don't repair, we replace".

 

John B,
our problem is not that it is stuck in P, we can't get it into P. So it is not that little plastic hook. I rather repair than exchange and pay a lot of money if I can do it myself.

 

Cwallens, I still think your problem may be the shifter itself and not that little plastic piece.