A coffee spill seems to have triggered electronic limp home mode (2nd gear only) in 99 C230. Working the gearshift while driving plus interior heat (it is below freezing here) seems to have rejuvanated the "D" light, which was not illuminating.

Wondering if there is anything to try today (Sunday) before taking to the dealer Monday. I am hoping the problem is one of mechanical contact rather than electrical damage. Earlier post suggests even if the shifter has returned to normal the car will remain in limp-home mode until the fault is reset.

Is is feasible to get at this mechanism to see that it is cleaned out?

I have pulled the cover up which houses the window switches and the "W/S" switch. Is it possible liquids in the W/S switch caused the fault? If so, any home investigation possible? Thanks!

(....Electrical limp-home mode ...In order to prevent damage to the automatic transmission in the event of an electrical fault, the gear currently engaged is held and the assigned diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored.
...MOST likely! some liquid has been spilled on the gear shifter! IT is a computer & computers don't like liquids!...
...the vehicle can only be driven in 2nd or reverse gear.
...The engagement of "N -> D" and "N -> R" will be very harsh, since the electronic control of the automatic transmission has been turned off.
This type of limp-home mode can only reset by repairing the fault and erasing the DTCs with the Hand-Held Tester (HHT).