DOUBLE SECRET LIMP MODE!!
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Phoenix
2000 CLK 320, 2008 E63
DOUBLE SECRET LIMP MODE!!
If anyone can offer some insight,
I have a 2008 E63 AMG. Love it but DAMN!! Perhaps six months ago the AC compressor locked up. That started a project of repair the a/c compressor, changed both control arms, changed the ball joint on passenger, drivers side valve cover, and intake manifold. After I changed the AC compressor I took it for a couple spins and it was in limp mode. The brand of limp mode where I can do around 30 mph. Then I changed the rest of the things and now the car is in what I call DOUBLE SECRET LIMP MODE. Will not allow above 10 mph. When the car was running my lad took it for a spin and did not realize the wheel well lining was not fully on. That caused the wheel to fly off. Taking with it the passenger side fog light wiring, and the side marker wiring. I repaired that. Other, known issue is an oil leak, and I detached the other fog light, and the brake wear sensor. BUT IT'S STILL IN THIS ODD LIMP MODE!! Transmission never gave me any issues.
The car has been at the local benz repair shop for 2 weeks and they are quoting me $3800 as they say the AC compressor is bad? Saying they need to repair the wiring, and a bad battery....
ANY THOUGHTS AND INSIGHT TO WHAT IS GOING ON IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
I have a 2008 E63 AMG. Love it but DAMN!! Perhaps six months ago the AC compressor locked up. That started a project of repair the a/c compressor, changed both control arms, changed the ball joint on passenger, drivers side valve cover, and intake manifold. After I changed the AC compressor I took it for a couple spins and it was in limp mode. The brand of limp mode where I can do around 30 mph. Then I changed the rest of the things and now the car is in what I call DOUBLE SECRET LIMP MODE. Will not allow above 10 mph. When the car was running my lad took it for a spin and did not realize the wheel well lining was not fully on. That caused the wheel to fly off. Taking with it the passenger side fog light wiring, and the side marker wiring. I repaired that. Other, known issue is an oil leak, and I detached the other fog light, and the brake wear sensor. BUT IT'S STILL IN THIS ODD LIMP MODE!! Transmission never gave me any issues.
The car has been at the local benz repair shop for 2 weeks and they are quoting me $3800 as they say the AC compressor is bad? Saying they need to repair the wiring, and a bad battery....
ANY THOUGHTS AND INSIGHT TO WHAT IS GOING ON IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
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From: tampa florida
19 f-150 limited (w/raptor engine) 06 e55,81SC Targa,08 CLK63 BLK,91 E34 M5
take the belly pans off and see if there is fluid leaking if so it could be the tramission connector you need to replace it. if your in limp mode because im going thru the same atm.
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
What are the codes? You did connect your car to your STAR/Xentry diagnostic system or aftermarket equivalent?
E63's have all sorts of issues separate from the E55's. Learn to use the diagnostic system or continue to pay $180 per hour for someone else to repair the car. Not slamming you, just telling you like it is to own an older AMG Mercedes.
Once more, what are the codes?
E63's have all sorts of issues separate from the E55's. Learn to use the diagnostic system or continue to pay $180 per hour for someone else to repair the car. Not slamming you, just telling you like it is to own an older AMG Mercedes.
Once more, what are the codes?
Last edited by bbirdwell; Jul 14, 2025 at 10:39 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Phoenix
2000 CLK 320, 2008 E63
Thank you guys for replying.
I will check the belly pans for leaks that may involve the trans connector.
I do understand the notion of doing it myself. I've done a ton of work on it. But..I do not have a star or xen. When it went it this strange limp mode my reader didn't get any codes. Now the benz shop it saying may have to pin the ECU as star nor xen is stating the problem.
Dreaded this big bill would come. Thus me doing most myself.
I will check the belly pans for leaks that may involve the trans connector.
I do understand the notion of doing it myself. I've done a ton of work on it. But..I do not have a star or xen. When it went it this strange limp mode my reader didn't get any codes. Now the benz shop it saying may have to pin the ECU as star nor xen is stating the problem.
Dreaded this big bill would come. Thus me doing most myself.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Phoenix
2000 CLK 320, 2008 E63
Rather strange. Don't recall saying the wheel flew off as it didn't.
Update the shop has stated a 374a code has popped up. Basically saying the ECU is shot. Has anyone sent theirs out for repair and recommend a service?
Update the shop has stated a 374a code has popped up. Basically saying the ECU is shot. Has anyone sent theirs out for repair and recommend a service?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
"Rather strange. Don't recall saying the wheel flew off as it didn't."
Read your own post. SICAMG is one of the best on this sub-forum. We are trying to help you. If you do not want to listen to us, just say so.
FWIW, I'm on my Xentry simulation program now and I cannot find a "374a" code in the fault code list. Where the hell did that fault code come from? I'm seriously curious.
Post a screen shot of that error code because it isn't in Xentry. We cannot assist you unless you post accurate information.
No communication with the ME? Did the shop mechanic check the CANBUS voltages to see if a Chassis Module is faulty and pulling the Hi or Low line to ground? That would cause non-communication with the ME. Instead of replacing the ME (an arduous endeavour) it could just be a bad TCU. Have they attached a CANBUS monitor to the junction block and confirmed CANBUS packets are being delivered across the lines or is the entire network dead because of one bad module?
Your circus, your monkeys.
If anyone can offer some insight,
<snip...> not fully on. That caused the wheel to fly off. Taking with it the passenger side fog light wiring, and the side marker wiring. <snip...>
The car has been at the local benz repair shop for 2 weeks and they are quoting me $3800 as they say the AC compressor is bad? Saying they need to repair the wiring, and a bad battery....
ANY THOUGHTS AND INSIGHT TO WHAT IS GOING ON IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
<snip...> not fully on. That caused the wheel to fly off. Taking with it the passenger side fog light wiring, and the side marker wiring. <snip...>
The car has been at the local benz repair shop for 2 weeks and they are quoting me $3800 as they say the AC compressor is bad? Saying they need to repair the wiring, and a bad battery....
ANY THOUGHTS AND INSIGHT TO WHAT IS GOING ON IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
FWIW, I'm on my Xentry simulation program now and I cannot find a "374a" code in the fault code list. Where the hell did that fault code come from? I'm seriously curious.
Post a screen shot of that error code because it isn't in Xentry. We cannot assist you unless you post accurate information.
No communication with the ME? Did the shop mechanic check the CANBUS voltages to see if a Chassis Module is faulty and pulling the Hi or Low line to ground? That would cause non-communication with the ME. Instead of replacing the ME (an arduous endeavour) it could just be a bad TCU. Have they attached a CANBUS monitor to the junction block and confirmed CANBUS packets are being delivered across the lines or is the entire network dead because of one bad module?
Your circus, your monkeys.
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From: DFW
SL63
Quote from siksix:
”That caused the wheel to fly off.”
Someone beat me to this post by 1 minute. Otherwise I would consider deleting my post as a duplicate of the previous post. I don’t see an option for deleting posts.
Congrats to bbirdwell for being Johnny on the spot, making me take my place on the John.
”That caused the wheel to fly off.”
Someone beat me to this post by 1 minute. Otherwise I would consider deleting my post as a duplicate of the previous post. I don’t see an option for deleting posts.
Congrats to bbirdwell for being Johnny on the spot, making me take my place on the John.
Last edited by MB2timer; Jul 17, 2025 at 10:17 PM. Reason: 1
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 250
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From: Orange County
2004 W211 E55 AMG
My piece of advice when it comes to people on this forum like @SICAMG @bbirdwell and many others, when they offer their advice and guidance, you are way better off listening to what they have to offer.
There are A TON of people on here who will take time out of their day to get you the right information, stay with you until the issue your having is solved. The 2 gentle above are one of the many few who will do that.
good luck
There are A TON of people on here who will take time out of their day to get you the right information, stay with you until the issue your having is solved. The 2 gentle above are one of the many few who will do that.
good luck
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 6
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From: Phoenix
2000 CLK 320, 2008 E63
I am appreciative for any advice given. It's the sharpish tongue and pointing out mistakes in text that's... interesting.
About the car. I don't have access to it currently nor the read the shop is seeing. I am going off what they state which is. The ECU originally wasn't speaking to the engine. They got it speaking again and they got a code of 374A I believe. This from what the shop stated.
Any assistance on possibly getting the ECU repaired?
About the car. I don't have access to it currently nor the read the shop is seeing. I am going off what they state which is. The ECU originally wasn't speaking to the engine. They got it speaking again and they got a code of 374A I believe. This from what the shop stated.
Any assistance on possibly getting the ECU repaired?
