SL/R230: 04 Sl 500 stuck in first gear after shifter was stuck in park?
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2004 sl500
04 Sl 500 stuck in first gear after shifter was stuck in park?
My shifter was stuck and I removed the shift knob added a small squirt of silicone lubricant and hit the shifter from the top until it released.After that, the trans started shifting funny and then the comfort/sport button stopped working.I am awaiting a replacement part to repair the stuck in park problem but what is up with it staying in limp mode first gear?
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It could be a coincidence. The early 722.9 7-speed transmissions like yours will have speed sensor failures. This requires replacing the conductor plate (and maybe the valve body) which is pretty much a dealer-only job due to it needing SCN coding (VIN encoding with encryption). Pulling codes from the TCU will tell you if this is the problem.
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2004 sl500
No codes are coming up. I can also shut the engine off in neutral and restart it and shift to drive and the trans will be in what seems like fifth gear.It only has 36,000 miles.I have ordered the part for the shifter lock and plan to clean all the parts and connections and try it again.
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What scanner did you use to read codes? A generic OBDII scanner won't work - you need one that reads MBZ's proprietary systems. iCarsoft i980 and MBI, AUtoel MD802 Maxdiag Elite and, of course, SDS (MBZ's Star Diagnosis) are all capable of this.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2018
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2004 sl500
I only have an OBD 2, I only have one Benz so after buying tools for jags, Porsche and bmw's I'm tired of buying one use tools! Lol. From what I have read, there are electronics within the shifter that may have got wet when I was tiring to free the stuck shifter with silicone lubricant.Could this have caused the issue?
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Both the AGS (shifter module) and the TCU have codes that can be read and give you an idea of what is wrong. If you are going to DIY repairs and maintenance on this car, you do really need to invest in a a scan tool. In fact, you really need SDS as you would use it for deactivating and reactivating SBC when working on the brakes. Also, it can actuate ABC ("rodeo mode") for doing a fluid change. But, at least get one of the iCarsot or Autel units I mentioned so you can read codes beyond the ECU.
