ML 270 CDI 2001 auto, sticks in park, fault code B1716

[Garista]

With the ML, I'm getting an intermittent problem with the auto stick getting stuck in park and I have to use the pen trick. The readout on the display is always correct and the truck has no other faults.

The fault code appears to be "B1716, module N41 ATA, indoor protection/gradient sensor fault". I'm using the Icarsoft 980 thing.

In the forum this appears to be usually linked with the onboard overhead computer, but my 2001 model doesn't have this, so not sure what to do.

When driving it drives very well, the gear change is fine and it goes into park fine. I've been wondering if it is something I am doing wrong when starting up. I have recently put in a new Bosch battery and this has helped a bit. A garage a while ago left a window open and put it outside (I had a dispute with them, described on here) and the interior got wet on the floor. I don't think it got on the stick area though.

Is this sensor inside the gear stick module on the auto? Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Uncle Benz]

most commonly on these the brake light switch gives the fault you describe. Often doesn't give a fault code.

 

[Garista]

Hello, many thanks for the response,

but yes, I did that already, I should have said: the older one did seem faulty when I swapped it back and forth to test with the new one, but this didn't cure it. I also found some oily stuff on the wires and contacts leading to the transmission control module (near the brake switch) and cleaned this. This also helped but still the intermittent problem persists. Yesterday for example it all goes fine from starting in the morning, then all day is fine, until the late afternoon, then after this it stuck in park when in park. I was wondering if it was something to do with being on an incline, or having reversed (into a parking space). It is worrying because the CT is coming up (France control technique).

 

[Garista]

Hello, many thanks for the response,

but yes, I did that already, I should have said: the older one did seem faulty when I swapped it back and forth to test with the new one, but this didn't cure it. I also found some oily stuff on the wires and contacts leading to the transmission control module (near the brake switch) and cleaned this. This also helped but still the intermittent problem persists. Yesterday for example it all goes fine from starting in the morning, then all day is fine, until the late afternoon, then after this it stuck in park when in park. I was wondering if it was something to do with being on an incline, or having reversed (into a parking space). It is worrying because the CT is coming up (France control technique).

Hello, me again.

Its fixed, was just low on brake fluid. Silly me. But the level looked fine, but wasn't. When I added more it just drunk it all up. There had been oil on the TCM which I cleaned so that may have played a part in the past. I also repaired the old brake switch, blue original one, the contacts were pitted. It isn't that hard, but fiddly, and easy to lose the spring which flies out. Just clean off the contacts, put it back together and it works.

 

[Garista]

Hello, me again.

Its fixed, was just low on brake fluid. Silly me. But the level looked fine, but wasn't. When I added more it just drunk it all up. There had been oil on the TCM which I cleaned so that may have played a part in the past. I also repaired the old brake switch, blue original one, the contacts were pitted. It isn't that hard, but fiddly, and easy to lose the spring which flies out. Just clean off the contacts, put it back together and it works.

Hello. I need to update this.

Basically the brake pads were low on the front and needed replacing, which I did (Brembo). Now no issues. I guess it was a warning, which is good. The low brake fluid is an indication of the low pads. Because the PO said it had been serviced I assumed they had been done.

 

[mercmancdi]

Hello. I need to update this.

Basically the brake pads were low on the front and needed replacing, which I did (Brembo). Now no issues. I guess it was a warning, which is good. The low brake fluid is an indication of the low pads. Because the PO said it had been serviced I assumed they had been done.

I assume nothing when buying a car unless it’s almost new ,with older I get the wheels off do brakes and disc if needed and give oil change whether it needs it or not. Just for my own piece of mind.

 

[bembo449]

ive never heard of brake pads effecting the gearbox but everyday is a school day . . . . . .