With this fault code it is 90% sure the conductor plate is playing up but not bad enough to move to limp mode.

 

But the fault code reads exactly: "P0717 input turbine speed sensor A Circuit no signal"...Wouldn't that be the Speed Sensor, not the Conductor Plate?

 

Both input and output speed sensors are part of the conductor plate.

 

Unlike most American cars, the turbine speed sensor on the 722.6 transmission is an integral part on the conductor plate, which sits on top of the valve body. A DIY instruction is attached and is doable if you are meticulously clean and know how to use a torque wrench. A new plate can be sourced from autohausaz.com, and runs about $200, and another $75 for ATF fluid and filter kit. You would then need to have a garage mechanic with either Snap On or SDS equivalent software to reset any Transmission Control Module error codes (such as if the Limp Home feature locks in).

Before you get too far in diagnosing the problem, read the W210 forum 'stickies' and scroll down to 'Transmission'. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1368898-help-tips-diys-power-train-drive.html. These E class cars share a varient 722.6xx transmission with many of the S class. There is a wealth of information contained. Start with the FAQ thread.

Good Luck

 

Eric - Does that mean I can't replace the input speed sensor without replacing the Conduct Plate? I'm not a mechanic.

atmsmshr - Thanks for the info!

 

The input and output speed sensors are an integral part of the conductor plate, so yes you must change the conductor plate.

 

Ahhh...got it. Ok thanks!

 

Just found this diagnostic guide for transmission symptom troubleshooting:

 

Hang on... if you have a 2004 model you have a 722.9 7spd tranny and you can only get this conductor plate at your stealer. Autohauz only has the 722.6 plate available.

MB in thier infinite wisdom now controls all late model conductor plates, and only the MB technicians/dealers can order them. My parts guys at my dealer could not order one for me as a private consumer... the order has to have a print out from the tech with the transmission error code AND the technicians ID number before it can be ordered. I have recently learned this as my car has been sitting at the dealer for the last three weeks waiting on a repalcement conductor plate. Also, these conductor plates have been exstremely slow in coming in... my service writer has had a customer waiting over a month and a half now for a new plate.

It is really annoying, but I am enjoying putting mileage on my E350 service loaner...

 

Wow really? How much are they charging you for the conductor plate and labor?

 

The plate retails for $370 if I recall, however I get wholesale pricing at my dealer so the part is around $285.

Again based on my relationship with my dealer and service writer my labor rate is drastically reduced... so I really cant speak to what it will cost me yet... but I know it will involve a couple of bottles of Glenlivet 21, and some cash....

The "book" time is 6.5 hrs of labor to swap the plate. My local dealer has a rate of $122 per hour, but I have seen some dealers get upwards of $160 per hour... guess it depends where you live.

Also, just be advised that 90% of the time you ONLY need the conductor plate... some dealers say that they want to replace the whole valve body... at about $1500 retail for the whole valve body (new plate is included when you by the entire valve body)... so just "buyer beware".

 

Just to clarify so some readers are not confused, 722.6 conductor plate only. 722.9 whole valve body.

 

UPDATE >> Dealer just called and said they can't replicate the thumping downshift from 2nd to 1st nor can they replicate the limp home mode issue and the car only revving in Drive. I think when you turn off the car and restart it, it resets everything (temporarily only I'm sure!)...So the dealer said they found some oil on the Valve Body (or TCM) and they cleaned it off and that could have been causing these issues. They said they cleared the P0700 code and will see what happens now...Worse case scenario he said I need to replace Valve Body for $2,000 (including parts and labor).

Could oil on this mechanism really cause it to short??

This is one of the biggest Mercedes dealers in the country (their service dept) and I bought the car from their used department (Maybe they're communicating with each other to delay this issue past my 30 day transmission warranty so they don't have to cover it)???

 

This is pretty much the same issue that I had.. I keep my tranny in "S" mode as I like starting off in 1st gear and the quicker shift points, and I had banging occasionally as well. I did also however have complete mis-shifts between 3rd and 4th where the tranny would basically go into nuetral and start to open rev, I would let off the accelarator and then it would drop into 4th just fine....

When the conductor plate starts to go, you get all kind or wierd shifting.

Mine is out of warranty (2004 with now 85K miles) Tranny was serviced regularly (35K mileage each time)

I would press them that this plate is a KNOWN issue and demand a replacement before the warranty runs out.

 

Thank Eric BTW.

This is prompting me to call and discuss this with him. They quoted the complete valve body part at around $1100 for me... so would rather just bite the bullet and replace the whole darn thing rather than spent $300 now, and then another $1100 later and have to again wait an eternity for the replacement part.

Guess MB is controling these transmission parts like freakin GOLD. Another customer at my dealership is up to six weeks now waiting on her replacement plate. WTF???

 

Maybe this will give you some idea of the 722.9 transmission and this is only the W221, take a look at how many times it was "replaced by"

 

Did not know they were controlling parts so closely.

Perhaps this is the reason why: 722.9 transmission

 

I cannot connect to that link.

 

Yes!! Great article. That's exactly what's going on right now...The dealership is having an issue replicating the code since they cleared it accidentally and Mercedes won't send the new part without that code! I bought this 2004 S500 with 52k last week and have been driving the new C class coupe 250. (way underpowered) since then (at their cost)!

 

So to update everyone, the dealer did have to order the complete valvebody versus just the conductor plate, as I had a "series 1" transmission. All things considered I am glad they did, would rather have an entire new assembly anyway.

So the valvebody came in last Thursday and I got my car back when I landed Friday afternoon... it is a beautiful thing. Silky smooth shifts, no hard down shifts anymore between 2nd and 1st when pulling up to a stop sign or traffic light.. amazing difference!

Also the 722.9 transmissions do not have the adapter plug issues that 722.6 tranny's do. I asked them to replace the plug as well while they were in there and the tech then showed me that these 7spd dont have the plug... learn something new everyday....

Now if these things only had a fill and check tube...

So far the new valvebody is a dream... well worth the investment. And I returned the E350 loaner with 1500 more miles on her... LOL

 

UPDATE >> Bought 2004 S500 with 52k miles 3 weeks ago...Went into limp home mode and thumped from 2nd to 1st gear 24 hours after purchase...Code read P0717 and P0700 (meaning valve body)...I have 30 day warranty from dealer. Dealer accidentally cleared the code and is unable to replicate code (which mercedes requires a printout of before they'll sell the dealer the valve body) so they gave car back to me and it drives fine for now and they extended my warranty for 12 months if it happens again (which is has to at some point).

 

i have a 2004 S430 and today had my transmission shifting problem diagnosed at the dealer. They said that I needed a valve body. Only mercedes dealer can order the part. This problem is too consistent in this vehicle and it sounds like "defective part". I believe that Mercedes is breaking the federal laws that is suppose to prevent businesses from preventing people from using other than mercedes repair shops. Consumers are not supposed to forced to go to the dealer. I know of one individual who went to an attorney and received compensation for the cost of the part and labor.

 

Will this code triger check engine light to come on? I'm having kind of the same problem but no check engine light.

 

Eric:

I think this was the page atmsmshr was referencing

Call 954 771-5181 for Mercedes 722.9 Transmission Repair in Broward County Florida.

Tower