'97 S320 shifting issue
 

I stopped by a friends to check out her S320 since it is having some issues.

I plugged my code reader into the OBDII port and saw the following codes

P0715 - input/turbine speed sensor
P0720 - output shaft sensor

Both seem to be related to the transmission.

The car will not shift out of 2nd gear. Tried everything, started in L, S, etc etc.

Attempted to check the fluid level but there was/is no dipstick, just a black cap on top of the dip stick tube (guessing this car doesnt come with one?)

correction for model year, it's a 97

Owner has no idea when the last time the transmission was serviced.

ideas? Car has around 175k on it.

Trying to remember, but from the description it sounds like this is an early 722.6 transmission. By the codes you have, I am relatively sure that the transmission needs a new conductor plate. Outside chance that the stator ring has come loose. If the trans isn't making any sort of excess noise, I would stick with the conductor plate diagnosis.
Gilly

I just did some digging and found that info.

Is the P0720 code something that usually comes with the 0715? If its just one sensor then I might be able to do the repair myself. But I do not have an SDS to clear the codes.

Also, what about the missing dipstick?

Sorry, this is all really common knowledge and forgot to mention it, you should try a search on the 722.6 trans, you should even be able to find some DIY info on the conductor plate and so forth.
Few things I can cover quickly, yes there is no dipstick, just the cap. The stick is a shop tool. It is critical on fluid level and the Germans doesn't want "the public" fooling with it. If there is no leak, there is no need to worry i guess, some truth to that. The temp of the fluid has to be closely monitored, the sds has a function of using a temp sensor in the trans to monitor the temp, then using the shop tool to measure the level.

The trans is said to be "filled for life", but at this point yeah you probably could do the fluid change. Luckily this one is early enough that you can drain the torque converter like the earlier trasmissions. OH you HAVE to use the MB fluid, it is EXpensive stuff.

On this thread, check out the post I made, post #8:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/102541-1999-s500-722-6-automatic-transmission-filled-life.html

I bought me a dipstick on Ebay.DE

A 1996 S320 would be the last year of the 722.5, but that sounds strange that it has no dipstick. Are you sure it's a 96?

The MB stuff.. awesome. Considering I want to put fresh fluid in after putting the new conductor plate in and sticking some magnets inthe pan and then flush again with new fluid and a new filter.

awesome. What does that stuff retail for per quart.

I use mobil one ATF

You need to find out what transmission it is - a 96 722.5 would be Dexron III.

My bad, it's a '97.

Called my dealership parts contact and I need the following

10 liters of fluid @ $20 ea
Conductor plate @ $213 for MBZ official
1 new plug @ $6
1 filter @ forgot to ask
1 service dipstick @ $54

1 trip to dealership to clear codes @ no idea

So far looking to be around $600 with taxes and shipping plus tow truck ride and dealership cost.

Sound about right?

The new conductor plate will seem different, there will be plastic caps (2) over where the electric valves are (that you will need to swap to the new conductor plate), these are not there just for shipping, they stay there, it was a later change. I am sure the new plate will come with them, if not I would hold on and make sure you get those. Also you just need one magnet. I should have a part # for the magnet, again this was a later change. You will also need o-rings for the plug (electrical plug), and seals for the drain pan plug and torque converter plug. I wouldn't bother flushing it, just dump it, do your work, drain the converter, and refill.

If the dealer is close you might want them to check the fluid level which would save you from buying the dipstick.

The trans might shift out of 2nd once the plate is replaced, not sure if it will stay in limp home or not.

Alright, let me know about those part numbers.

Dealer is not close at all.

Friggin bargain for someone who ran a 722.6 175k while being oblivious to the risks of non-maintenance! To back up and look at it from 1000ft, a conductor plate (and a TCM for that matter) are pretty typical repairs during that time period, even if the fluid and filters were done every 30k!

bargain if you have the money on hand to pay for the repair.


But anyways