SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: It seems mostly safe to bypass Direct Select Module

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Old Feb 21, 2025 | 09:24 PM
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From: Temecula, California
r231 sl550
It seems mostly safe to bypass Direct Select Module

My goal is turning my R231 SL550 into a track car.
This issue of not shifting out of PARK is driving me nowhere, fast. So here’s the background I replaced the ABS/ESP Plus module, with the correct VIN coded to the module. Replaced the brake light switch 3x, installed brand new OEM wheel speed sensors all four, verified fuses, relays, brake lights. Still stuck in PARK.
So I purchased a scanner, Snap On Apollo+ (the rep told me it has relearn and adaptations but it doesn’t) but it is a decent scan tool. It communicates with all modules and shows CAN interface, confirms wheel speed sensors are working etc. It does have the ability to activate module functions as well, just can’t do SCN coding. Xentry stuff.
The brake lights are working the Hi Lo signal of the brake (S9/1) are functional.
Yet when I move the shifter to shift out of Park, I get the same message on the instrument cluster “press brake to shift from Park”.
Does anyone have a good reason why I shouldn’t bypass the electronic direct select shift module and just attach splined “shift lever” to manually crank the transmission out of park?
I just want to drive this car, I’m not worried about the color matching of my floor mats or the black chrome grille inserts. I’m trying to get to the race track.
Sent a request to BenzNinja today at lunch.
Meanwhile, could I get some feedback either way !?
Scan and get codes
Scan and get codes
Another fault
Another fault



Update:
A lot of effort has been put into this build and I was just getting frustrated because I want it to drive.
So I’m not going to try and manually crank the transmission or bypass the DSM.
I’ve considered a manual transmission swap.
I spoke with HighTech about the problem of not shifting out of park, maybe the DSM is not communicating with the ABS module.
How, if the scan tool is showing me that both the shifter and the brake switch are active and correctly functioning when activated, does the ECU not get the signal from the SAM or chassis CAN to the Drivetrain CAN ?



Last edited by rectified; Feb 21, 2025 at 10:30 PM.
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Old Feb 23, 2025 | 08:42 AM
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I'd replace the auxiliary battery behind the passenger seat.

Thor
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