Hey guys, I got a scare tonight when I reversed out of my driveway. The shift to R was pretty harsh ... backed out and put it in D. The tranny would not shift out of 1st and I noticed the gear display showed N even though I was in D. The check engine light came on and I immediately stopped.

I could not move the gear lever any higher than N and I could not remove the smart key from ignition.

Went and got my code reader and pulled these:

P0300
P0303
P0304
P0705

I know the 1st 3 are misfires but the 705 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit malfunction [PRNDL Input]) has me worried. No unusual sounds coming from the tranny.

I cleared the codes and everything returned to normal, but I'm playing it safe and not driving it until I figure this out.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

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-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi

This happened to me once, several months ago. It seemed like the computer got confused, possibly the theft system was confused. I disconnected the battery to clear codes and have a fresh start, and there was never an issue after that. I hope yours is also a one-time glitch.

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D.H.

04 ML500
02 E430

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

Hey Dennis, thanks for the reply! Yeah, it seems all is back to normal after I cleared the codes and driving it to the store and back ... but man oh man did it scare the hell outta me.

These later 722.6's don't have a gear selector switch, only the TCM under the hood. If the TCM is heading south it's good to know Ebay has a few for cheap.

I'll hold my breath ...

Cheers

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-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi

Check the engine harness connection to the the trans for fluid contamination wicking up the wiring sheath to the TCM.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

On that car and all MB's starting in 2000, the shifter is a computer.

Diagnosis is done thru a MB laptop.

As that is a theft revelent part & requires coding on that model.....a dealer is the only answer.

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