SL/R230: Options for mating used EIS shifter and ECU to the 722.9 conductor plate
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95 SL600
Options for mating used EIS shifter and ECU to the 722.9 conductor plate
Bought a 2005 sl500 couple of years ago and the person I purchased it from had lost the key. He had taken the car to the dealer to get a new key programmed and the dealer apparently tried ( I have the receipt and new key) but the car wouldn’t turn over or start.
I got the car and surmised that the best option was to purchase a used but matching key, EIS , ECU , and shifter from. The same model year car. I installed those and the car started right up. Putting it in gear does nothing, the shifter shows what gear it’s in, but no forward or reverse gears. The pump is operating and trans fluid isn’t burned.
I was reading another post about someone doing the same used part swap in a w211 (he lost the key) with a 722.9 as well, and the same thing happened to that car ( transmission worked fine before ) I believe that’s the problem with this sl500, and was wondering what my options are. I have the original EIS ECU and shifter , but it was suspected that the shifter may be bad from the Mercedes dealership,
What do you think the options are for this? Car is rough, but surprisingly the top works, the suspension works and has 63,000 miles on it. The engine runs very well, and it’s a shame to part it out, and not worth much if it doesn’t go in gear. I’m pretty sure that the problem is the non matching DAS parts
I got the car and surmised that the best option was to purchase a used but matching key, EIS , ECU , and shifter from. The same model year car. I installed those and the car started right up. Putting it in gear does nothing, the shifter shows what gear it’s in, but no forward or reverse gears. The pump is operating and trans fluid isn’t burned.
I was reading another post about someone doing the same used part swap in a w211 (he lost the key) with a 722.9 as well, and the same thing happened to that car ( transmission worked fine before ) I believe that’s the problem with this sl500, and was wondering what my options are. I have the original EIS ECU and shifter , but it was suspected that the shifter may be bad from the Mercedes dealership,
What do you think the options are for this? Car is rough, but surprisingly the top works, the suspension works and has 63,000 miles on it. The engine runs very well, and it’s a shame to part it out, and not worth much if it doesn’t go in gear. I’m pretty sure that the problem is the non matching DAS parts
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
A shifter of this age is likely to need the optical pickups resoldered. It's a common issue.
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ca...#post-18398443
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ca...#post-18398443
Last edited by Tom Manning; Apr 10, 2023 at 12:22 AM.
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From: North West England
SL500
The 722.9 conductor plate is part of the security system, and you needed the conductor plate from the same car also.
You may find someone who can code it for you, but they need access to Mercedes servers (or data from servers) to get correct coding, now for the car that was the downer for the replacement parts.
I am having issues with the shifter in my CLK at moment, and best option seems to get it repaired. Not sure this is possible for SL shifters but do a search for the module number and see what you can find.
You may find someone who can code it for you, but they need access to Mercedes servers (or data from servers) to get correct coding, now for the car that was the downer for the replacement parts.
I am having issues with the shifter in my CLK at moment, and best option seems to get it repaired. Not sure this is possible for SL shifters but do a search for the module number and see what you can find.
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
See the link. They're in the shifter and while you had it out would have been a good time to do it, but next time.
I bought a new conductor plate a few years ago so they're still available, or were then, and not too expensive, but the only issue is you will need it for the VIN of the wreck from which you got the other parts. That's obviously an issue now.
Isn't it possible to order a key for the original car?
I bought a new conductor plate a few years ago so they're still available, or were then, and not too expensive, but the only issue is you will need it for the VIN of the wreck from which you got the other parts. That's obviously an issue now.
Isn't it possible to order a key for the original car?
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95 SL600
Would the optical pickup in the shifter not recognize park and disable the starter from cranking? AFAIK the dealer had the car and provided and
reprogrammed a new key for the car.
The bill was $1200 or so, and it still wouldn’t crank. If I remember the key worked in all but the crank position, and the service order from the dealer said they suspected the shifter to be the culprit.
At that time, I wasn’t aware of the fact that the 2005 cars had 722.9 transmissions, and that the conductor plate was linked to the DAS.
i would guess that either the technician didn’t program the key correctly, or the shifter has faulty parts or cold solder joints as he said. My initial solution was to purchase the used matching set of DAS parts to get the car running, I will have to inspect the shifter for faulty joints, and hopefully I can put the original parts back in.
reprogrammed a new key for the car.
The bill was $1200 or so, and it still wouldn’t crank. If I remember the key worked in all but the crank position, and the service order from the dealer said they suspected the shifter to be the culprit.
At that time, I wasn’t aware of the fact that the 2005 cars had 722.9 transmissions, and that the conductor plate was linked to the DAS.
i would guess that either the technician didn’t program the key correctly, or the shifter has faulty parts or cold solder joints as he said. My initial solution was to purchase the used matching set of DAS parts to get the car running, I will have to inspect the shifter for faulty joints, and hopefully I can put the original parts back in.
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
Do you remember if the key would turn in the ignition? If so, the key was programmed properly and the problem was shifter, ecu, or communication. If the key did not turn, it was not recognized by the EIS, so either a key or EIS issue.
It is possible that some prior owner already replaced the immobilizer trio. If so, a dealer programmed key would not work and that may have been the problem all along. That would be the easiest solution, just an aftermarket key, reinstall the old trio, and you are good to go.
The second option is to diagnose and repair the original issue with the immobilizer. If the key turns, you can check drive authorization in the ESM and ECU and determine where the problem is. I don't think this is the typical shifter solder joint issue as that does not affect the immobilizer functions, just the shifter position reading. A bad EIS can also sometimes be repaired (or cloned). The advantage of this approach is that each of the components is easier to remove and send in than the conductor plate/TCU. Also, the cluster should read mileage without additional work on it.
If you stick with the replacement components, the TCU can be virginized and relearned to the VIN. You might talk with a couple of independent Benz shops to see if they can do it or if they 'have a guy'. There are several systems that will do it, but you might not have anyone in your area. Of course you can remove it and send it in, but that is a bit of a project. You will also have the mileage issue in the cluster, but since mileage won't be actual and it is a bit of a beater, that might be something you just want to live with.
It is possible that some prior owner already replaced the immobilizer trio. If so, a dealer programmed key would not work and that may have been the problem all along. That would be the easiest solution, just an aftermarket key, reinstall the old trio, and you are good to go.
The second option is to diagnose and repair the original issue with the immobilizer. If the key turns, you can check drive authorization in the ESM and ECU and determine where the problem is. I don't think this is the typical shifter solder joint issue as that does not affect the immobilizer functions, just the shifter position reading. A bad EIS can also sometimes be repaired (or cloned). The advantage of this approach is that each of the components is easier to remove and send in than the conductor plate/TCU. Also, the cluster should read mileage without additional work on it.
If you stick with the replacement components, the TCU can be virginized and relearned to the VIN. You might talk with a couple of independent Benz shops to see if they can do it or if they 'have a guy'. There are several systems that will do it, but you might not have anyone in your area. Of course you can remove it and send it in, but that is a bit of a project. You will also have the mileage issue in the cluster, but since mileage won't be actual and it is a bit of a beater, that might be something you just want to live with.
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95 SL600
Thanks for the reply Mike, that is very helpful, it’s been over a year since I messed with it, but if I remember correctly I got to car to fire on starting fluid with the old key and jumping the starter relay in the front Sam. I believe I wanted to make sure the engine wasn’t knocking or damaged before proceeding to buy the replacement EIS shifter and ECU.
The key must have turned in order for for ignition to happen. It know it wouldn’t crank with the key. I didn’t check for codes. I guess the next step is to reinstall the old stuff and look for the specific issue. I would guess the no crank could be in the shifter?
The key must have turned in order for for ignition to happen. It know it wouldn’t crank with the key. I didn’t check for codes. I guess the next step is to reinstall the old stuff and look for the specific issue. I would guess the no crank could be in the shifter?
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From: North West England
SL500
As per my earlier comment, I am having issues with the shifter module in my 2005 CLK.
One of the symptoms is no crank from the engine.
Even after clearing codes in the TCU and ECM, there is still no crank, and the stored code in the ME97 (engine ECU) needs to be cleared before it will crank.
One of the symptoms is no crank from the engine.
Even after clearing codes in the TCU and ECM, there is still no crank, and the stored code in the ME97 (engine ECU) needs to be cleared before it will crank.
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The ECU provides the ground for the start solenoid. The driver for this can fail, so the car can have drive authorization, but no crank. I would try again with the original components. You don't need to fully install the shifter, just take off the console cover and connect it up. Check ESM and ECU for drive authorization. If it started by jumping the relay, I would suspect that the driver in the ECU is bad, or you have a bad wire from the ECU to the relay. The ECU is supposed to provide the ground signal for the start relay coil.
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
As per my earlier comment, I am having issues with the shifter module in my 2005 CLK.
One of the symptoms is no crank from the engine.
Even after clearing codes in the TCU and ECM, there is still no crank, and the stored code in the ME97 (engine ECU) needs to be cleared before it will crank.
One of the symptoms is no crank from the engine.
Even after clearing codes in the TCU and ECM, there is still no crank, and the stored code in the ME97 (engine ECU) needs to be cleared before it will crank.
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95 SL600
As per my earlier comment, I am having issues with the shifter module in my 2005 CLK.
One of the symptoms is no crank from the engine.
Even after clearing codes in the TCU and ECM, there is still no crank, and the stored code in the ME97 (engine ECU) needs to be cleared before it will crank.
One of the symptoms is no crank from the engine.
Even after clearing codes in the TCU and ECM, there is still no crank, and the stored code in the ME97 (engine ECU) needs to be cleared before it will crank.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2007
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95 SL600
The ECU provides the ground for the start solenoid. The driver for this can fail, so the car can have drive authorization, but no crank. I would try again with the original components. You don't need to fully install the shifter, just take off the console cover and connect it up. Check ESM and ECU for drive authorization. If it started by jumping the relay, I would suspect that the driver in the ECU is bad, or you have a bad wire from the ECU to the relay. The ECU is supposed to provide the ground signal for the start relay coil.
I would have to rule out the wiring, as it starts right up with the new stuff in there. Quite a contraption to stop thieves, I seem to spend lots of money and time securing my belongings and dealing with things that are securing my things. Locks , fences, security systems, housing things indoors for theft prevention, and now this.
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From: North West England
SL500
in the ESM P1866
in the ETC P240C
There was a code in the CDI 2, but cant remember what it was. Might have just been a message, as it just said check codes in the ETC.
Needed clearing before able to crank the engine.
No DTC's reported on the dash
I doubt the shifters are the same, but the CLK shifter (part A2032679024 containing ESM A2095452232) is part of the DAS system, so used part can not be fitted, but I have found a specialist in Bulgaria who claims can supply ESM that will work.
My guess is he virginises it, and by fitting a virgin ESM it self adapts to car. (WIS ASRA states no coding necessary when fitting new ESM!).
in the ETC P240C
There was a code in the CDI 2, but cant remember what it was. Might have just been a message, as it just said check codes in the ETC.
Needed clearing before able to crank the engine.
No DTC's reported on the dash
I doubt the shifters are the same, but the CLK shifter (part A2032679024 containing ESM A2095452232) is part of the DAS system, so used part can not be fitted, but I have found a specialist in Bulgaria who claims can supply ESM that will work.
My guess is he virginises it, and by fitting a virgin ESM it self adapts to car. (WIS ASRA states no coding necessary when fitting new ESM!).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,325
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
in the ESM P1866
in the ETC P240C
There was a code in the CDI 2, but cant remember what it was. Might have just been a message, as it just said check codes in the ETC.
Needed clearing before able to crank the engine.
No DTC's reported on the dash
I doubt the shifters are the same, but the CLK shifter (part A2032679024 containing ESM A2095452232) is part of the DAS system, so used part can not be fitted, but I have found a specialist in Bulgaria who claims can supply ESM that will work.
My guess is he virginises it, and by fitting a virgin ESM it self adapts to car. (WIS ASRA states no coding necessary when fitting new ESM!).
in the ETC P240C
There was a code in the CDI 2, but cant remember what it was. Might have just been a message, as it just said check codes in the ETC.
Needed clearing before able to crank the engine.
No DTC's reported on the dash
I doubt the shifters are the same, but the CLK shifter (part A2032679024 containing ESM A2095452232) is part of the DAS system, so used part can not be fitted, but I have found a specialist in Bulgaria who claims can supply ESM that will work.
My guess is he virginises it, and by fitting a virgin ESM it self adapts to car. (WIS ASRA states no coding necessary when fitting new ESM!).
The 203/209/211 shifters resemble the R230 (and 215/220) ESM, however they are not a part of DAS. The 215/220/230 platforms have DAS in the ESM, but 203/209/211 platforms use an ESL as the third DAS component. All of these shifters use the optical pickups to read lever position and all are subject to the P1856/P240C issue because of bad soldering. Basically, the 203/209/211 ESMs are a simplified version, handling only sifter functions and not the immo functions.
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From: North West England
SL500
Bearing in mind this is a R230 group, and this is veering way off topic....
Yes you are correct. my typo.
According to EPC, the complete shifter assembly (A2032679024) is a "Theft-Relavent part" (As is the shifter (A2302675524) in my SL500). The same shifter is used on both the five speed and seven speed box of the CLK (as it also does on the SL500). The ESM is a module inside the shifter, and from a scan of mine, has a part number 2095452232.
My 209 doesn't have an "ESL", but it has an EZS (EIS) which controls the steering lock solenoid directly. This is also a "theft-Relevent part"
Yes this is a good possibility that i haven't explored, but the research I did indicated the ESM can go bad. If it is a pickup, then I have wasted money on a replacement ESM 
I will post back when I get a resolution.
Yes you are correct. my typo.
The 203/209/211 shifters resemble the R230 (and 215/220) ESM, however they are not a part of DAS.
The 215/220/230 platforms have DAS in the ESM, but 203/209/211 platforms use an ESL as the third DAS component.
All of these shifters use the optical pickups to read lever position and all are subject to the P1856/P240C issue because of bad soldering. Basically, the 203/209/211 ESMs are a simplified version, handling only sifter functions and not the immo functions.
I will post back when I get a resolution.
