ML 430 stuck in 1st!!

[Onefast90gt]

I have a 2000 ML 430 and driving one day when leaving a light the car seemed to like jump and then it got stuck in first gear.. no lights came on nothing.. i took it to a local shop and then couldn't find anything wrong.. any ideas of why it would be stuck in 1st gear? its been like 6 months and i haven't had time to drop it off at the shop.. any ideas what it could be? i'm gonna need to start using the car again so its time to drop it off at the shop

thanks

Trey

[Carson357]

Originally Posted by Onefast90gt

I have a 2000 ML 430 and driving one day when leaving a light the car seemed to like jump and then it got stuck in first gear.. no lights came on nothing.. i took it to a local shop and then couldn't find anything wrong.. any ideas of why it would be stuck in 1st gear? its been like 6 months and i haven't had time to drop it off at the shop.. any ideas what it could be? i'm gonna need to start using the car again so its time to drop it off at the shop

thanks

Trey

low fluid? shift bushings? clogged filter?

[fingersandclaws]

Did ya accidentally push the low gear button?

[DCF]

Are you sure it did not go into limp mode?

[benzdriver737]

My 2002 ML270 went into 'limp mode' (stuck in 2nd gear).
You need to have the error codes scanned (most good mechanics can do this).
The error code will point you in the right direction regarding any faults.
Mine turned out to be a faulty speed sensor within the transmission. As it turned out the faulty speed sensor is attached to the 'electrics kit' (a big printed circuit board inside the transmission) I found a new 'electrics kit' on ebay and my local mechanic installed it. I highly recommend new filter and fluid for the transmission while you're at it. My problem was solved.
Scan for error codes first.
The 722.6 transmission has had several parts updated.
Firstly the 'electrics kit' (big printed circuit board inside transmission) this part has been superseded a couple of times with a new part number.
Another upgrade is the plug on the outside of the transmission that connects the transmission to the TCM (transmission control module). The early version of this plug caused the transmission fluid to leak out of the transmission and in some cases the fluid found its way into the TCM and caused further problems.

If yours turns out to be a faulty 'electrics kit', and you need a new one, let me know, I have two brand new ones for sale. $100 ea plus shipping.

Hope this helps...

[whitebenz98]

Do you have a conductor plate for a 98 e320? Or just the ML?
Im having problems finding it for under $200. The dealership was $277. Please let me know and if not where I can get one!

Thanks,
J

[lkchris]

Originally Posted by Onefast90gt

i took it to a local shop and then couldn't find anything wrong..

This is of course a clue you need a better shop.

[outofspec]

Same thing just happened to me on my wifes 1999 ML320. Turned out to be the conductor plate in the transmission. It cost me $851 to get it done at the dealer. The transmission was stuck in first gear; limp home mode.

[jennyview]

i have a 99 mercedes ml430 stuck in 1st... same problem!
its been waiting for a couple months because i cant take it to the shop... it starts fine and drives too.

when i put it in gear, it kicks

if anyone has a solution to this, please help me.
thanx

jenn

[kwmccauley]

Jennyview,
What was the ultimate solution to the suck in low gear issue on your ML?
Thanks,
Ken

P.S. Similar sympton on '98 ML320 wiht 217k miles.