ML 430 Gearshift stuck!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

teddavies · #1 02-26-2006, 01:11 PM

I have an ML 430 year 2000. Recently the battery was dead and I had to charge it back up. When I started it the radio was not functioning so I took it out and completely unplugged it, put it back in and now it works fine. It started up yesterday just fine, began driving, and it won't shift out of first gear. Noticed the gear indicator by the clock was not registering anything - no PRNDL. I went back home in "limp home mode" and the gearshift was stuck in either neutral or park. When I turned off the key I could put it into park and remove the key.

The dealer told me to remove the trim around the gearshift and unplug some wires under the gearshift and plug them back in to reset it. (just like the radio).

Anybody have any thoughts on this? I have it all torn apart awaiting your input.....

mbdoc · #2 02-27-2006, 08:09 AM

ON almost all 2000 & later Benzes w/auto trans the shifter is a computer...

That computer NEEDS the brake light circuit to function properly.

We replace them all the time due to liquid spillage....

OF course a scanner is needed to "really" diagnose the problem..

teddavies · #3 02-27-2006, 04:39 PM

thanks for the info - where is the brake light shifter? How would I know if it is really that?

teddavies · #4 02-28-2006, 06:31 PM

Some one today told me it may just be the battery. The battery has been dead several times over the last couple of weeks. Could a weak battery cause all these issues?

I'm getting a new one tomorrow.

Any thoughts????

mbdoc · #5 03-01-2006, 08:08 AM

I asked the question "do the brake lights work".

Again that is the first requirement for the shifter to release!

The battery should not have any effect.

teddavies · #6 03-01-2006, 04:35 PM

Wow, the brake lights don't work. What is my next step? Can I replace this thing myself?

mbdoc · #7 03-02-2006, 03:04 PM

Quote:

ON almost all 2000 & later Benzes w/auto trans the shifter is a computer...

That computer NEEDS the brake light circuit to function properly.

We replace them all the time due to liquid spillage....

OF course a scanner is needed to "really" diagnose the problem..

A scanner that can read TRANS codes is needed!

steve32 · #8 03-02-2006, 04:12 PM

Sometimes what looks like a major tragedy ends up being something simple and inexpensive. Take the advise from DOC and spend a few dollars to have the truck scanned before it nickle and dimes you to death. I imagine that battery wasn't cheap and may have cost you the difference to repair the truck. Believe me, DIYers need to have humility, or deep pockets.

teddavies · #9 03-05-2006, 08:57 PM

Agreed. But please understand the last time I went to the dealer they wanted over $1000 to replace my power steering system and it turned out to be a $2 gasket. On another problem they wanted $600 for an EGR valve and it turned out to be an $80 CPS (which I fixed with your help!).

I just can't help but think it has something to do with the battery. And since the brake lights work fine with the key on and there has been no liquids spilled I can't believe it is the brake light switch since it releases out of park with no problem.

The battery has to be jumped every day.

Whatdya think???

steve32 · #10 03-05-2006, 10:13 PM

Ted, I was doing a search on symptoms of your problem. Did you have problems with the shift lock, in which you were sticking something into the unlock hole? I thought I saw your response in one of the posts, which may be a prelude to your problem, misaligned gear shifter contacts. Let me know what you think; this is what I found:

A strong possibility is the shift lever is out of adjustment. There is a feedback electronic circuit that tells the computer what gear you have selected. If the linkage has slipped, you can confuse the computer and throw it into the limp home mode. Put the trans in park and look to make sure the shift lever on the side of the trans is touching the metal stop bracket. If all is in proper adjustment, you will not a very smooth movement of the shift knob through all the gears with no hangups.

If not, loosen the "torques" set screw on the shifter rod and move the shift arm over to the stop.
I found it ½ way down the 1st page, post #10 of
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=104862&highlight=limp+mode

teddavies · #11 03-07-2006, 09:58 PM

Steve,

Thanks for the input. There ain't nothing better than a good mechanic and there ain't nothing worse than a bad one.....

A question -

I am looking at the gearshift assembly inside the car. On the passenger side, down on the base is a little round-ish opening. Is this where you are saying I can adjust the shifter? I tried every torque bit I have and nothing seems to grab onto something. Am I in the right place? What kind of bit do I need to turn it?

I am also going to install the new battery. You never know - it just might have something to do with the whole mess. My VW was having a multitude of problems and I noticed the dipstick was missing. I replace it and voila! all my problems were fixed.

So - onward...

Thanks,
Ted

teddavies · #12 03-08-2006, 03:27 PM

I replaced the battery today. At least the car starts up good. Now the sunroof doesn't work. I still have the same problem with the transmission. It still won't shift out of first.

Need some help on Steve's suggestion to adjust the shift knob. Anybody out there?

Thanks for all your help.