C280 won't shift out of first
 

I did a search on the Forum and didn't see this problem. I'm looking at a good price on a 97 C280, but it has one problem. It won't shift out of first gear. I'm guesing that this "could" be something very simple, but it might be serious. Anyone had this problem?

Trans is in Limp-Home mode. The only way to tell how serious is to pull trans adaptation codes and determine reason the trans is locked up. On a 97 it could be many things and the worst case is a new trans. Most likely is a conductor plate, valve body or ETC.

To get adaptation codes you need the Star Diagnostic System, which only dealers and MB mechanics have. You can buy one, but not at Autozone and they run about $10K, so NO, you can't DIY the tranny diagnostics...

Thanks for the prompt answer. I won't waste my time on an independent.