SL/R230: Not changing gears.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
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.
Anyone else have this happen to them? Car has about 50,000 miles.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,343
Likes: 6,610
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.
Anyone else have this happen to them? Car has about 50,000 miles.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 33,343
Likes: 6,610
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 185
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 185
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 546
Likes: 118
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
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.
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.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
