I have read some items discussing hths but none like my problem. It occurrs after freeway driving or (I am guessing on this second one) after the vehicle gets to operating temperature, however it does not happen around town. The transmission shifts with a "clunk" and them is stuck in low gear. I stop and then shift again and sometimes it works immediately, but sometimes I have to do this several times. Eventually, its shifts from P to D smooth and then all is well. I never does it when first starting out during the day. Any ideas?

Of course reading & erasing codes from the trans computer are the 1st course of action.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Hi - thanks for the response! The first time it happened (again only happens after a long drive and only after turning off the restarting ) codes came up P0700 ETC DIAGNOSTIC adn P0455 Evap Leak. They were cleared and when it happended again (about 10 more times) the servcie light went on and after a few start and stops it went out. I understand that this means it is intermittent or the problem corrects itself. I read that if a drink is spilled on console (used so I anm not sure if this happened) it can effect a module by the shifter that may cuse this. Any additionall infor would be appreciated!

P0 700 is a generic engine code that means the transmission computer holds a specific transmission code.

That system needs to be scanned with a MB scanner to find the problem.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Ok thanks - do I need to wait for the engine service light to come on, additionally is it possible that the trans fluid is low as I can not check it I ask this as it only happens when the vehicle is run for extended periods and never whne I do short trips like to and from work to the store.

Check your A/T fluid level! My 2000 ML320 had the same problem, e.g., sticking in low gear starting cold or even at highway speed. It turned out my A/T fluid level was too low. Buy a dip stick and check level yourself. It has to be at "HOT" level all the time!