S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

2002 MERCEDES S430 W220 TRUNK LEAK / LIMP MODE HELP!

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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 12:31 AM
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2002 Mercedes s430 2003 Mercedes s500 2005 Mercedes s55 AMG
2002 MERCEDES S430 W220 TRUNK LEAK / LIMP MODE HELP!

Hey I'm having this issue with my 2002 Mercedes s430 W220 chassis where it wouldn't shift out of first gear. I bought it this way thinking that it just needed the transmission conductor plate replaced because I had similar shifting problem and fixed that already on my 2003 s500 now it runs great. BUT once I finally figured out how to get the trunk open I saw that the wells where the CD changer/amp and battery were in the bottom of each side of the truck were soaking wet and the radio would turn on but there was no sound. So I completely disconnected and removed the CD changer and amp from that side because it was brown and rusted assuming it's completely fried. But I found out the car is in LIMP MODE and WON'T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. It's pulling CODE P0600 (RESET ECM) I don't know what to do about resetting the ECM I don't want to go to the dealer because it will cost an arm and a leg... I have seen websites and businesses online where you can send in the ECM or ECU and they will test/repair/clone your ECU and send it back to you. Has anyone ran into these problems and what do you do to fix the leak and also resetting the ECM? Sorry for the long post.. Please any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks - Jake
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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 01:40 AM
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Have you replaced the conductor plate yet?

If so, you'll need to match it to the car and perform adaptations.
I'm not sure how as I haven't done it myself
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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 02:35 AM
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2002 Mercedes s430 2003 Mercedes s500 2005 Mercedes s55 AMG
Originally Posted by tim687
Have you replaced the conductor plate yet?

If so, you'll need to match it to the car and perform adaptations.
I'm not sure how as I haven't done it myself
Yes I did replace the conductor plate first. I actually bought this car thinking it was the conductor plate because my other s500 was having similar shifting issues and when I replaced it on that other car it is running perfect now. But after I replaced it on this car it' still has the same issue. Then I finally got the trunk open and saw it's flooded with water down by the CD changer/amp and where the battery is. I ordered the icarsoft MB 3 scan tool and found out the code is P0600 and says reset ECM, replace ECM, and or fix the poor electrical connection AKA LIMP MODE. I'm trying to find out if anyone has ran into this problem with LIMP MODE before and where they got there ECM fixed, how they fixed the leak and electrical problem's from the water leaking into the trunk or other areas.

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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 09:45 AM
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I am not aware of any connection between water in the rear fender well and the transmission. Doesn't mean that that there isn't one, just commenting that I don't know of one.

The transmission control module (TCM) is in the right front SAM. There is a known problem where transmission fluid (ATF) wicks up the ware harness from the transmission to the TCM. It is easy to remove the TCM and clean it using electronic cleaner or brake/parts cleaner, which often cures shift problems.
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Old Jul 11, 2023 | 03:13 PM
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Your problem has nothing to do with the electronics in the trunk being wet, that is a completely separate issue. Engine and transmission issues are caused by failure of the TCM, or the ECU, which are located in the engine compartment. The TCM, as noticed above, often gets transmission fluid inside of it from the leaking 13 pin connector on the transmission. That is the first thing to check. The TCM is cheap and does not need to be programmed But if that doesn’t fix your problem, the second thing to replace is the four parts - key, shifter, ignition switch, and ECU. All these four parts need to come from the same donor car because they are coded to work together. You could find a matched set of these four parts on eBay for about $350.
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Old Jul 12, 2023 | 08:10 AM
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What scanner are you using to pull codes? For these cars you really need a scanner that can help pin point issues (I.e. Mercedes SDS).
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