[CIC Barkeep]

Having a hell of a time getting at the damn thing and hoping for some tips. Heard pulling the fuse panel (box) made things somewhat easier, but after getting it up and out of the cradle to some degree, I'm pretty leery about unplugging anything and it remains quite the obstacle. 2005 S55 AMG
Thanks!

 

[wallyp]

On the W220, the TCM (Transmission Control Module is very easy to remove and replace. It is a black plastic box about the size of a pack of cigarettes (remember those?). The usual advice is to look at the wire harnesses in the right SAM under the passenger side windshield corner in the engine bay, and find the one that has slight oily stains, and use that to pull the TCM out of the SAM. It isn't even fastened in the SAM.

Most of the time, it doesn't need replacing, just a thorough cleaning inside and out with brake cleaner or contact cleaner.

 

[CIC Barkeep]

Thanks Wally, but mine's jammed down in there tight as a plug in a barrel of Makers Mark with next to zero access. I can get at it, even pull it up a 1/2 inch or so after lifting the inboard fuse holder out of its cradle, but unclipping the plugs and pulling the TCU the rest of the way out has proven to be thus far impossible. Gone thru a pack of Marlboro's and half a bottle of Makers trying.