Shifter stuck on park in my 2000 S500 !!!!!!!! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ILUVMILS · #16 02-27-2004, 12:25 PM

Hi Gilly, I found the DTB you're referring to. It covers model year 2000-01 170, 202, 208, and 208. It's dated 4/27/01 and refers to shifters which are more resistant to fluid contamination. In the real world this simply means it's unlikely the shifter will be damaged during an overzealous interior detail by spraying stuff all over the place. A full cup of coffee is another story.

Regarding the shifter not coming out of PARK, I double-checked with both of my roadside tech's and they both use the method described in my previous post. I'm certain that the 220's don't have a feature like the other models, which allows you to shift out of park as long as you use a pen or screwdriver in the prescribed manner.

Gilly · #17 02-27-2004, 07:25 PM

ILUVMILS:
Is there any info on the DTB about a VIN range which the DTB applies to? This would help "hookedon210s" know if he might want to consider doing an update.

In regards to the 220 chassis, i am still wondering about this. Is it possible that the trim panel needs to be pulled up to access the release? I still think it has this feature. Maybe I'll get out the 220 training guide, I think it's mentioned in that, or maybe you can look in group 27 or 28 in the intro book?

Gilly

#18 02-27-2004, 07:39 PM

gilly , What is really weird is that this morning it was stuck , I force the shifter to R with little tab on the top , drove the car all day , parked the car 11 times to do things and no problem works 100% normal . I searched in the car dealer instruction manuals for the emergency release of the shifter but nothing mentioned - so I am planning to take it to be looked at on Monday and hopfully it will a small $$ loss.

Mike

carl7007 · #19 02-03-2005, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hookedon210s

Certainly didn't have all the electronic related problems then that we have today. It makes me leery to own these new vehicles outside of the warranty period but that is the subject of other posts. I spilled approx. 1-2oz. of water over the entire center console when I had to brake unexpectedly. Have since learned to either not have drinks in the car at all or to use the closed lid variety. The problem is that the winter/sport switch is right next to the shift gate and is a part of the shift computer. Since there is no moisture sealing whatsoever, the beverage leaks into the computer and presumably shorts it out. It would be a simple matter for Mercedes to find a way to seal the switch, move the switch to the bank of switches on the upper console or the shift lever but I guess Mercedes would rather have upset customers with cars that will not start, shift, etc. and sell more parts (not a warranty item if the dealer suspects fluid contamination). I'm sure plenty of these $400 shifters have been replaced under warranty due an inability to document fluid contamination which only costs Mercedes money that they really can't afford. I would bet that this could be the subject of an NHTSA safety investigationl if people really wanted to make an issue of it. Mine failed in the not so good section of downtown Jacksonville on a Sunday evening at a stop light. I was fortunate that the car finally went into limp home mode so I could get my wife, my car and myself out of there. To my knowledge Mercedes still hasn't modified this situation. Of course, we could just go back to the days when Mercedes didn't install drink holders at all and we dumped coffee into the power window switches. :p Mark

I have posted a question on the same problem, stuck in park on a 2000 c-230 kompressor 4 dr. I was told by Mercedes parts dealer today that the entire shift module is not a stocking item. It has to be ordered with your vehicles vin number and then they burn it to calibrate it to work in your specific vehicle. They do have the upper shifter switch unit on the shelf. I'm going to the parts counter today to get it and find out what it actually is. Repair manuals or CD's are not available yet to purchase so I've been told?? for these models. You can unlock the stuck shift lever by inserting a ball point pen or similar object right below the "D" shift position. Push down while moving the gear shift handle, engine running. My car is still in limp mode- stuck in 2nd gear while driving. After I shut off the engine it will be locked in park again. I'm going to install the upper shift switch today- let you what happens. carl7007

jenga2795 · #20 12-01-2005, 03:11 PM

I just purchased a used Mercedes 2001 E320 last month. To my surprise after avoiding an accident, the cup of lemonade, which had the lid on it, dripped into the gear box. Very little, but it was sticky. The car sluggishly came to a halt and now the gears will only shift to Drive and Neutral and then to park when I turn the car off. The dealership wants to charge $1500 to fix this problem and I am livid!

It would appear that Mercedes would have placed a warning sign over the gear shift box or not place the cup holder right next to this computer chip! RIDICULES!

I think that I will contact the NHTSA. I was nearly hit from behind when the system just shut down.

Jen (Atlanta)

Johnny916 · #21 12-19-2005, 04:45 PM

My 2000 S500 shift is stuck in park. I know that never was spilled inside of it. However, I think a fuse blew the Stop Lamp switch along with all my drivers door controls (can't roll up the window, move seat, mirrors, etc.) Can you tell me where to check the fuse? Actually where is the stop lamp switch located?? I can't even tow the car because I can't get it out of park!