2001 E320 4 matic
Hello,

I think my Shift control module has died again. Classic symptoms include not manually shifting, banging during shift and the check engine light is on. I've had the shifter assy changed about a year ago (it was under used MB warranty, exact same symptoms) and now back to the same problems, so i'm guessing it's dead again.

Anyhow, I cant get the shifter assy out due to rear air ducts in the way. It looks like center console needs to come out. I watched to MB removal video, but It's stuck at the rear part of the console, like I've missed a screw. The front is free, just the back is hung up. I'm at my wits end, there are no visiable screws, does it clip somehow? Thanks in advance Rollin

Well the odds are really bad for you. It would really be smart to see what codes are set. There are about umpteen different things that cause your symptoms, many that occur commonly. Many more common than shifter issues, unless you have a habit off pouring coke or coffee into it. If it is a shifter OR if it isn't, it is really easy to test.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks Steve,

Well I found the 2 screws that were holing the console in (they were under the felt liner in the bottom of the storage box) and the shifter is now out. Funny thing, it looks like it was never changed by the dealer, although the no charge invoice I got from them about a year ago says it was. I'm going to borrow a OBDII reader tommorow and I'll post the codes. I appreciate your help, I'd hate to spend $350+ for a part that I don't need. BTW it's dry, the 1sr one was never wet either. Thanks Rollin

Unfortunately you need to talk to the ETC or ESM not OBDII. That would be the trans control module or the shift module. Both store codes and give actual value data to confirm. The only code you will get in OBDII is a P07xx telling you there is trouble in the trans controller. It will not be specific other than that which actually is very specific as it tells you where to check.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks Steve,

The car is not drivable, and I'd like to repair it myself this time. Any suggestions where to get the reader you suggested? Thanks Rollin

You will need what is generically called "enhanced data". Any tool that gives enhanced coverage will probably do simple fault code reading. Tools that I know of are Snap-On, Launch x431, Baum CS2000 and newer, and AST retriever, and PC retriever. All are atleast a few thousand dollars new. The Snap-On is found used by the score on ebay, but is the worst of all the above. It does do transmission though. It doesn't do much of anything else.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks, I called a friend thats a full time wrench, he will be stopping over tommorow night with something that can hopefully read it. I'll post the codes after he leaves. Thanks again

Well we read the codes tonight, this is what we found:

P0715 Input/Turbine speed sensor circuit malfunction
P2066 I couldn't find this on the code list

Any ideas ?? We also reset the ckeck engine light after reading the codes

Thanks Rollin

Well the first place I go is to the speed sensors which are part of the conductor plate sandwhiched in the valve body.

I would look at the actuals values from my scanner first.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks Steve, I had several values show up as "F" which I assume would be fail. Do you know what the value abreviations would be? I could post them.

Thanks Rollin

Also any suggestions for online purchase of conductor plate? Thanks