You probably need a new transmission shift module (don't know part number).. Expensive part, but a easy DIY to install ..
Had the same thing happen to me a couple years back when i left the sun roof open and the doors unlocked and rain came in.

 

You will have to remove the center console and then remove the shifter assembly. Then you will have to disassemble the shifter assembly and clean/dry everything including the circuit board.

 

Thanks. Do you know where/how I could find specs on how to fix it? There was a member on this site that had awesome "how to" pics and instructions, but I can't remember his name...

 

Hi again,

Okay, so there's more to my ongoing transmission saga...just to keep you up to speed...on Wed night I noticed water on my gear shift (automatic) in the ML and I couldn't get it out of Park when I tried. Then, I could get it out of Park and into Drive, but the shifter would get stuck at Neutral when I wanted to park, so I had to shut off the ignition and then shift into Park.

Now, I've noticed that the vehicle doesn't indicate what gear I'm in on the dash (ie. Park, Drive, etc..) and I can't go faster than around 50km/h (35mph) cause it doesn't auto shift out of second.

HELP! Any thoughts people???

 

Answer is in post #3. Remove and disassemble shifter. Clean, dry, reinstall. Hope it works.

 

Okay thanks. At the risk of sounding mechanically challenged, is there a "how to" guide anywhere? I've been searching high and low for directions but I've found nothing. Also, it doesn't sound like there's a problem with the Transmission Control Module is there?

 

Search forums with "console" "shifter" "ESM" Note threads with with window switch replacement. That will get console off. ESM (Electronic Shifter Module) is held to tunnel with four bolts. From under the car you have to disconnect linkage that goes to transmission. There are no instructions from MB how to disassemble ESM. Thare are no parts available it gets replaced as an assembly.

 

Parts info.

 

Parts info.
hey im looking for part number 6 in the attachment you have for c240 but i cant find it anywhere to buy it any help ?????

 

That's awesome! Thanks so much. In a brief update, my buddy has an OBDII and the codes it spat out are:

P0705 - transmission range sensor circuit malfunction (PRNDL)
P0600 - serial communication link

Just throwing those out there just in case they mean anything to you...?

Cheers!

 

Don't go off half cocked and buy a new shifter module. First off you will have to read the codes again. But after you installed the shifter in July did you clear the codes? If not they might be coming back to haunt you.

Remove the console again and concentrate on the electrical connector. See if there is corrosion on the wire contacts or the contacts on the shifter module. With the connector removed, you should be able to shift it at will.

Also keep in mind that there is a R/P lock which prevents shifting under certain circumstances. See below.

 

Problem is that there are codes stored in ETC module as well. Even after successful repair by cleaning or replacement those codes will have to be cleared. Transmission may remain in limp home mode.

If you attempt to do this work yourself disconnect negative battery cable and apply parking brake.

Here is link from W208 forum showing some pictures of ESM
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w208-clk-class/1353354-shift-module-removal.html

 

If you need a new shifter and such, I still have the one in my ML55 that I am parting out. Let me know. As others have said though, you will need to clear the codes because the vehicle computer system is interconnected to ensure safe operation and will need to be purged (so to speak) of bad data from the problem.

 

THANK YOU!! THIS IS AWESOME! This is likely a $400 job at least (not including the part) if I bring it to an indie. So, I'm going to try it myself!

I'll keep you posted.
Cheers.

 

I am Sooooo eager to hear about the DIY results on this one...

Seriously, if you can get this to work without (HONESTLY) a mechanic's intervention, I will send you a HUGE digital pat on the back and some real beer.

 

Hey Jefferino...I'll let you know. Thanks. I'm assuming that 05 ML parts are interchangeable with 01 ML parts??

 

Hope it worked - I just had our ML320, 2002, towed to an indie shop where they found water on that shifter module, cost was a total of about $700 to $750 for that part of the work (new shifter module, labor). You'd think MB could design it so some water dripping in wouldn't ruin it - oops, I forgot, they make a lot of money from selling these...

 

OK....so just a follow-up on my problem...I ended up purchasing a used shifter (thanks to Jefferino) and installed it as per the instructions all the kind members of this forum provided me with. It worked like a charm! It actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be...a buddy of mine helped me out (he's no mechanic either but he has more experience with this than I do)...I didn't replace the entire shift module, just the housing unit which covers the mechanism that contains the PRND indicator and electronics. As soon as I plugged it in, the dash indicator registered a "P" when I turned the key. When I saw that, I knew that the problem was solved. When I took it for a spin, the tranny worked with no problem. So thanks again for all your help!

C.

 

I have a problem with this part of the post. Something went wrong here or used ESM gave up the ghost or you got it wet again.

 

carlito, good to hear that you resolved the issue by yourself. Excellent!!.
It would've been nice if you had taken some photos and posted them on this board for reference (for the benefit of other members). If you have photos, please post. Thanks.

 

Carlito;
Glad it was as easy for you to swap out as it was for me to pull from a gutted vehicle. Got your PM and also happy it worked out for you!

PCY;
The only difficult part really is just the part of taking the linkage off, the rest can be done from insider the car. Just need to take off the center console to make it easy to get to everything (just a few bolts) and they you are right there...

 

Yeah, I apologize for not taking any pics, but there were enough pics posted on this site that taught me how to do it myself. In the future, I'll post any DIY pics (hopefully I won't have to!!)

 

glad to hear your true success story carlito. just to give background yes 7-750 is about correct for the job. had my window switch done @ my indy's about 2-3 weeks ago. he tells me a guy spills a coke in there. repair done the day before mine-thus in your same
'seat'. sad to say, they guy rolls out on 2 wheels in a clk after telling my indy he's going back to his mom's ride outside (s class) for the difference in $. dude has the balls to him back on his cell & states he's lost his job, needed the repair to go for job interviews & to line up and sue him for the unpaid difference! damn! desp. people are the result of desp times. glad you are not that type of mb owner.

 

Ok...you'll never believe this, but my shifter is fubar again. I changed the part back in July and it was working fine until today--I started it up and the gear indicator on the dash won't recognize what gear it's in, and it's in limp home mode again!! I'm at a total loss for words here. So, if anyone knows if someone is parting out an ML320 (I have an 01) please let me know cause I have to buy another shifter module and replace it again--and sell this vehicle!

 

Ok this is messed up. I started it up and the gearshift works fine -- gear indicator on the dash tells me what gear I'm in, and it shifts okay...I'm also not in limp home mode. The CEL light is on though -- I'll have to check the codes again, but I'm pretty sure they'll be the same as last time. It must have gotten wet again (I must have a sunroof or windshield leak). When I installed it in July, I cleared the codes with an OBDII reader. Should I have used something else to clear them?

Don't worry 43sqd, I'm not buying a new shifter.

 

I know this is an old post but this is the exact word for word problem im having with my project ml55. Husband has the shift thing out now trying to take apart to see if theres anything on the board. No one ever answered him on this last question, he stated he only used an obdII to clear the codes. Arent i correct in understanding it needs to be done with a star diag. scan tool.... ??? Please clarify so i wont know today if my husband cleaning did any good????

 

If shifter cleaning is successful display on instrument cluster will resume to normal operation PRND4321. Clearing codes from ME (OBDII) is irrelevant. Codes in ESM and ETC will remain unless you clear them using dedicated scanner.

 

update

well the good news soooo far is since we put everything back together , i have P in cluster as all others when i shift, and not getting stuck thus far in N. not sure if it was blowing out the shifter after hubby disassembled it , or the 13 pin connector being replaced. Battery was disconnected throught both procedures. but ill keep you posted if things go south with this.....

 

A big thanks guys, this thread/forum a great help in diagnosing and repairing a bad TCM on a friends 2001 ML320.