auto P function (car goes into park whilst still moving) on E350 2009

[Paul2279]

I have had this intermittent problem for a year now
After medium journeys (100 miles+) or in hot weather, when approaching a T junction for instance and the vehicle goes below 10mph, the vehicle can throw itself into park whilst still moving (and I hear the parking brake trying to engage into the gearbox).
It is then very difficult to select drive.........the dash indicator flits between D and P
Turn vehicle off, take key out, re-insert and maybe, it will select DRIVE
I feel this is a serious safety issue and could destroy the gearbox

I have taken the vehicle to the Main Dealer who find nothing in the diagnostics.
I have even videoed the issue happening and shown MB
They still have no clue what is causing it, they say, they have no previous knowledge of this happening.
They ask me 'what I want to do to solve the situation' and 'what parts do I want them to start replacing'....at my cost and risk

I have contacted Mercedes UK who stand by their dealer

On a forum I found a mention of a service directive : L154.25-P-056472 which at first sight appears to refer to this issue, but MB dealer says not. They will not show me version 1 of this directive (they say company info and not for public)
My VIN WDD2120252A066544 which means one of the first W212 off the line
Versions 2 and 3 refer to later models. I feel they are keeping something from me.

I am getting NO HELP from Mercedes

HELP

 

[umblecumbuz]

Car total mileage? That would be a diagnostic help here.
When was the gearbox last serviced - ie, atf and filter change?
Has the atf level been checked and verified correct?
Just a few pointers for starters.
If all of that is found correct, then it looks like an electronic hiccup - but first things first.

 

[Paul2279]

I am layman, not car mechanic, but
surely any electronic issue would show up on the diagnostics? I have had MB main dealer service the vehicle and perform a diagnostic check and they say there are NO issues or records of this fault
Of course I can get them to specifically service the gearbox.........but vehicle has been serviced correctly
Mileage is 110,000

 

[mersum1es]

Thats well known fault... EIS PCB fails due to glued stuff on it and loosens connections of components... I bet dealer will deny that but there are several cases...

 

[Paul2279]

so you advise a new EIS?
Which would have to be fitted and coded by MB right?

I have to say that the MB Dealer is not inclined to start with this (although the service directive to which I referred says exactly this, as a manufacturing fault)

 

[grahamcol]

Welcome Paul. You'll be much better off taking the car to an independent Mercedes specialist rather than a franchised dealer. Indy's are cheaper and usually much better able to use and interpret diagnostics. I'm not sure where you're located but l believe there's a list of recommended independents on this forum somewhere. Alternatively if you advise your location someone should be able to recommend a suitable place.

 

[Paul2279]

I'm Swansea
I know of Gary at MercTech
and
Mike Tucker who specialises in Gearboxes

I just wanted MB (in my case Sinclair of Swansea) to take responsibility for the 'manufacturing fault' as detailed in the service directive, but they continue to claim they have never come across this fault before and have no idea how to address it.
What's more.......they want me to formulate a plan of action

 

[umblecumbuz]

If you can get to Steve at Avantegarde Automotive in Clevedon near Bristol, he will help.
Brilliant outfit, and knows Mercs inside out. Phone: 01275 217270

 

[Welshguy]

I'm Swansea
I know of Gary at MercTech
and
Mike Tucker who specialises in Gearboxes

I just wanted MB (in my case Sinclair of Swansea) to take responsibility for the 'manufacturing fault' as detailed in the service directive, but they continue to claim they have never come across this fault before and have no idea how to address it.
What's more.......they want me to formulate a plan of action

Hi Paul, I believe I’m right in assuming your from the South West Wales area and am enquiring have you found an independent MB outfit? I’d be keen to know who, where as I’m having a nightmare with Sinclair Swansea, a total cowboy outfit. Customer service is non-existent.
Cheers,
Wyn

 

[onefortheroad]

Possibly a dodgy brake light switch. ?? Hence the flitting between r d and p. Id look to that 1st as its £13 and your issue is there when using the brakes ...

 

[MARK.W]

Possibly a dodgy brake light switch. ??

I would second that.
Had the same issue with our E320 few years ago.

Sent from my FIG-LX1 using Tapatalk

 

[Conor]

I would second that.
Had the same issue with our E320 few years ago.

Sent from my FIG-LX1 using Tapatalk

Hi Paul

I have this issue also. Happens me mainly in reverse, which is annoying.

Did you ever get sorted ?

The tech bulletin suggests running tests (via STAR) on the Drive Authorisation System which I plan on doing.

Interested how you got on.

Cheers.

 

[Conor]

... last seen November 10th....2020. Another case of a newbie looking for solution then disappears.

 

[lamechtech]

Having exactly the same issue with my w212 E350. As I’m working for a shop as a technician had the ability to search and touch my benz. WHAT HAVE BEEN DONE: ISM(DSM) ordered and preprogrammed, steering column module - whole part replaced, brake light switch, had thouts that under voltage can cause this so replaced a battery, valve body with all solenoids for a used one with 90k on it( my have 171k miles), 3 times changed oil with filter.
Obviously have read about it, someone have problems with ignition, someone with door lock( the car thinks that door is open).
The problem is that it happens randomly, and when my car was at dealership( were replacing turbo and intakes) they said that didn’t notice anything during test drive.
As you got it, nothing helped, and even more, when I replaced valve body with solenoids and did adaptations, the kiks of transmission ( they were before) changed their behavior, now when I drive it cold in the morning transmission is smooth and there is no kiks and no throwing in P, problems beginning when the car takes it working temperature

 

[Conor]

Having exactly the same issue with my w212 E350. As I’m working for a shop as a technician had the ability to search and touch my benz. WHAT HAVE BEEN DONE: ISM(DSM) ordered and preprogrammed, steering column module - whole part replaced, brake light switch, had thouts that under voltage can cause this so replaced a battery, valve body with all solenoids for a used one with 90k on it( my have 171k miles), 3 times changed oil with filter.
Obviously have read about it, someone have problems with ignition, someone with door lock( the car thinks that door is open).
The problem is that it happens randomly, and when my car was at dealership( were replacing turbo and intakes) they said that didn’t notice anything during test drive.
As you got it, nothing helped, and even more, when I replaced valve body with solenoids and did adaptations, the kiks of transmission ( they were before) changed their behavior, now when I drive it cold in the morning transmission is smooth and there is no kiks and no throwing in P, problems beginning when the car takes it working temperature

Need to get the EIS repaired or replaced. There is a bulletin for it.

How much has been spent on the above work? Scary.

 

[lamechtech]

Need to get the EIS repaired or replaced. There is a bulletin for it.

How much has been spent on the above work? Scary.

Well, I thought about it, but right now idk, already spent a lot of time and money, so want to be sure that it’s EIS, not TCM or other thing,
Diagnostic doesn’t show any exact point, just( 121a00 No CAN message was received from control unit "ESM [EWM]" or U010087 Communication with the control unit "com-bustion engine" has a malfunction. The message is missing.)
Official Xentry also doesn’t show anything specific
Had too much missfires, as you see)
Only above the work on this problem more than 50 hrs, overall half of the year battling with it)