P0715 conductor plate
 

I am going to do this job myself. Lots of good tutorials out there. Anyone have any thoughts they would like to share that has done this before? This is on my newly acquired 2000 e430. I paid to have it done to my 01 e320. I think I paid about $1800. I think I can handle this one.

P0715 is just a generic OBD2 code telling you there's a problem with your transmission. Replacing the conductor plate won't necessarily fix the problem. You need to pull codes from the TCM with a Mercedes specific scan tool in order to properly diagnose the problem as well as reset the TCM. Have you checked the TCM for ATF contamination yet?

I have not check TCM All is dry at the plug in the tranny. It actually looks like there is a crack and small hole in the connecting harness plug. Does that tell me anything? Is there a guide for checking the TCM? That happened with my 01 e320 I had a myriad of warning lights and then finally a no start condition

This 2000 e430 will occasionally throw check engine code p0715 and then it stays hung in the current gear until you can pullover and restart. Resets every time. Some times can drive all day without issue. Thanks for the advice. Any and all is appreciated

the plate change is easy, make sure to not drop it when you unbolt it. (scissor jack helps to take the weight off your arms as you line it up)

check the speed sensors, if they are cracked or split you found your issue.

If you want to play around before removing it, use an Oscope and see if you have an erroneous speed sensor signal (it has 2 sensors, one input and one output - both are hall effect - sharing same input circuits to switch on but the signal lines are separate)

as you have a later car, it maybe a bad shifter too, does the gear indication LCD next to the clock show the right position?

The Trans harness plug connection can be flaky and sensitive. If there is a crack, I'd replace that connector and see if that is the issue.

If you want to save money and if you need replace the conductor plate, get the factory "Kostal" made unit. Kostal is the OE manufacturer on plate and connector parts. Cheaper than getting it from Mercedes. "1161" and "1261" the common revisions out there. "12" is the newest.

Lastly, Make sure you torque the valve body in "inch pounds" I think it is 72 inch pounds.

.

Oh wow that’s more info than I understand. I need to learn more about these sensors. LCD reads correct. When it gets stuck in 2nd or 3rd gear I have noticed that you can’t use the manual shift function. I have also learned how to drive the car without it triggering the problem. It’s all about your throttle modulation not too aggressive but not grandma either. A nice blend of in between. Lol

And once your up to freeway speeds you can do whatever. I do realize it can get worse. My last 01 e320 had many warning lights plus the throttle would act like winter mode. You know. Reduced power. Then the car finally would not start. The TCM had fluid wicked up in it. I spent about $1800 getting it repaired. New conductor plate, a refurbed or used TCM, the 13 pin connections and a good trans service. I just don’t want to spend the extra money if I can do it myself

This one is dry underneath and I don’t see any leaks

Ok great thank you! Maybe I will start there first. The transmission has been into before because the lil red tab is broken off the cap. On the dipstick tube

I went ahead and ordered the conductor plate. OE Plate,gasket,plug and a dipstick. Can I leave that dipstick in full time?

That dipstick is twice as long as required, cannot be left in place. I used a dipstick - then somehow lost it.

then used a roll of tubing from homedepot (best dipstick for 722.6)

is the plug on the harness ok? - the taping will be unwrapped though - very easy to replace that plastic shell and use some silicone fusing tape to wrap the harness loom onto the plug shell - Looks very nice and doesnt peel off with oil and heat.

In some cases that connector shell needs replacement as some mechanics damage it by not lining it up correctly.

Through the dipstick tube or the pan dropped?

You should not have any problems doing the conductor plate.

The tab on the dip stick tube is gone. The black cap is on it tho

I need to go back under there and look again. Take a closer look maybe get a picture. But I can’t get any photos to upload on here anymore. Wait I tried to put pics of the car in my album. Never checked to see if they appeared.

If anyone wants to see a short video I posted one in the video section. Check it out!

Well I tackled the job and finished. It was fairly easy but hard on the ground. Man I’m whooped. To make it worse. Now my car won’t move! Got it all back together. Nothing. Brushing my teeth with a pistol currently