SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Not changing gears.

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Old Aug 4, 2025 | 08:35 PM
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From: Michigan
2008 ML63 AMG
Not changing gears.

Twice over the past two weeks, my 2007 SL550 has acted like it’s stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. No errors on the dash or limp mode. I have to stop, and turn the car off and back on and then it’s fine. Today was the second time in 2-4 weeks and 20 drives.

Anyone else have this happen to them? Car has about 50,000 miles.
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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 03:55 AM
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Tom Manning's Avatar
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Speed sensor in the conductor plate in the transmission.

First step is to scan the car and research any codes that show up.
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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 03:56 AM
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Originally Posted by ML63Newb
Twice over the past two weeks, my 2007 SL550 has acted like it’s stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear. No errors on the dash or limp mode. I have to stop, and turn the car off and back on and then it’s fine. Today was the second time in 2-4 weeks and 20 drives.

Anyone else have this happen to them? Car has about 50,000 miles.
Software issue? When was the fluid last changed?
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Old Aug 5, 2025 | 03:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom Manning
Speed sensor in the conductor plate in the transmission.

First step is to scan the car and research any codes that show up.
Thanks for chiming in, the speed sensor failure common for this transmission?
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Old Aug 6, 2025 | 11:35 PM
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Not sure about the 07 550 but very common on earlier cars.

You simply need to procure a scanner (Foxwell, Launch CReader or similar) and scan the car - it is always the first job on an R230 when faced with a fault.
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Old Aug 6, 2025 | 11:43 PM
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/72...edics.3003231/

Relevant to your issue.
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Old Aug 27, 2025 | 03:32 AM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Thanks for chiming in, the speed sensor failure common for this transmission?
is the speed sensor the same thing or also called the RPM sensor on the conductor plate except mine is a 722.6 transmission thank you in advance for any help. Cheers.
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Old Aug 27, 2025 | 01:00 PM
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Yes, both the 722.6 (5 Speed) and 722.9 (7 Speed) transmissions have a conductor plate which fails over time. It contains what some call the speed sensor, which is really just an RPM sensor.
IMHO it fails because the sensor is on a slightly elastic plastic tab and the plastic become stiff and brittle over time.
It should be considered a maintenance item after 10 or 15 years.
Some of the fluid and filter will be replaced in the process, also the pan gasket.
Optionally this is a good time to swap non-AMG cars to the "Blue" solenoids if you want to install a TCM tune for quicker shifts.
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