Merc E320 CDI Stuck in second gear

mr unhappy

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2012
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Location
Carmarthenshire
Your Mercedes
E320 2002 diesel
Hiya, I hope you are all having a good day. This is my first post but I have looked at the forum before. But like others I have an issue with my Merc.
OK here is the story. I bought this car from an auction in the dark in the rain, yes I know a perfect place to view a car! and buy one. Sold as seen.

OK the problem I have with the car is that it seems to be stuck in second gear.
You drive the car and it and the maximum you can get out of the car is 40mph at 3000 rpm. I am assuming it is second gear? 40mph?

When you rev the car in park position it will go to 4500rpm and more but you move the lever to neutral and it will be restricted to 3000 rpm. The battery in the car is not very good and I have to charge it twice to start it.


There are not any warning lights on in the dash and the oil level seems to be fine in the gear box. Could this be stuck in limp mode ?as I read somewhere on this forum.That when the battery falls below a certain level. The car reverts to limp mode. And if so how do I get it out of limp mode. Any help would much be appreciated. Thanks in anticipation.
 

Steve@Avantgarde

Forum Supporter
Authorised Forum Supporter
Joined
Dec 8, 2009
Messages
7,314
Reaction score
1,955
Location
Bristol/Somerset
Website
www.avantgarde-automotive.co.uk
Your Mercedes
E300 Coupe AMG Line PP/NE, SLR McLaren Roadster, SL55 & C32AMG
Probably a knackered battery with a crank voltage of less than 9.6v not powering up the ECU or a electro plate on the valve body.

STAR diagnosis test is the first place to start but if you have any undervoltage fault codes then the suspect will be the battery. The ECU will have to be reset once the battery is replaced.
 
Last edited:

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
If the car is ok after a re start then probably the battery,,, but if stuck all the time then the speed sensor failed on the speed plate
 
OP
M

mr unhappy

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2012
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Location
Carmarthenshire
Your Mercedes
E320 2002 diesel
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Thanks for the replies. It was going ok on the motorway when I first drove it as I would have realised I was only doing 40mph. But since then the battery has failed to start the car as in not turn it over.The day after I bought it. Then when the battery is charged the car starts ok but remains in this 40mph max mode. There is no noises in the gear box, reverse works fine. Plus when I first drove it on the motorway the cruise control was working correctly but now when I try it, it says speedtronic visit workshop ? Thanks for the suggestions.
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
ECP have some bargain prices on batteries right now
 

BAZZER1

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2011
Messages
1,542
Reaction score
7
Location
FERNDOWN DORSET
Your Mercedes
E320cdi AVANTGARDE SELECT
As Malcolm suggests get a new Battery and if the problems persists, get it on a Star Test which should give you a realistic idea what the fault is.
Welcome to the Forum
Best Regards
BAZZER1
 
OP
M

mr unhappy

New Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2012
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Location
Carmarthenshire
Your Mercedes
E320 2002 diesel
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thanks for all the useful advice I will try a new battery. Someone suggested just disconnect the battery and re connect it? I will keep you up dated thanks again.
 

BAZZER1

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2011
Messages
1,542
Reaction score
7
Location
FERNDOWN DORSET
Your Mercedes
E320cdi AVANTGARDE SELECT
As Toby said, waste of time if the Battery is knackered, get a new one from ECP as they have some good prices at the moment, just make sure the new Battery is suitable for your make and model ie the Cranking Amps are correct and is suitable for Air Con , this will make a huge difference if you get this correct.
BAZZER1
 

television

Always remembered RIP
Joined
Mar 14, 2005
Messages
164,073
Reaction score
367
Age
89
Location
Daventry
Your Mercedes
2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
If the battery is that low in terms of voltage, then many fault codes may be stored in the box ECU that only has a tiny memory, it would need STAR to remove them
 

plumberuk

Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2012
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Location
telford,shropshire
Your Mercedes
c200/1998/1998
my c200 has done the same thing, i was told it could be an electrical connection to the auto box(full of oil) which on examination it was, cant say if this will fix it as i'm still waiting for the part with the failed seal.:lol:
 

Avantgarde Automotive, Mercedes-Benz and SLR McLaren specialists. Service, repairs, diagnosis and motorsport preparation.
Unit 14 Hither Green Trading Estate, Clevedon, Somerset, BS21 6XU Tel: 01275 217270 Email:steve@avantgarde-automotive.co.uk
www.avantgarde-automotive.co.uk
Top Bottom