ML270 Gear indicator fault

[Weatherform]

Hi all, please can you try and help with my X 2000 ML270 (120K). after parking overnight the gear display shows R when in park and won't let the key turn the engine over. If I continually reset the key trying to start up,whilst wobbeling the gear lever it will eventually let the lever to N position and the car will start normally (this can take 10 minutes). Thereafter the car runs normally and with the engine running will show P when in park. Sometimes the gear lever won't move but the display will show N in park for a fraction of a second and I can catch it with the key. I have been stiffed
more than once by South west dealers and am reluctant to present them with a gearbox fault before asking the forum.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Xtractorfan]

Not sure if the Ml is prone to the gearbox oil contamination in the ecu, this can and does play havoc with the selector module, there again the selector module can and does give problems.. awaiting wiser counsel..........someone will have had similar problems..

 

[television]

This fault has been up before, as said it could be the selector, a fault code read out should say where the problem is

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Yeah almost certainly a selector module fault.

 

[Xtractorfan]

This fault has been up before, as said it could be the selector, a fault code read out should say where the problem is

Just as a matter of interest the oil contaminated ecu will sometimes show the fault as being in the selector module...

 

[television]

Just as a matter of interest the oil contaminated ecu will sometimes show the fault as being in the selector module...

Yes oil can do funny things when in the harness and ECU,,even more odd as the gearbox fluid hes no electrical resistance what soever,,I have done the test and poured it over a working sky box, and that has the 240v mains plus 400v dc plus 6 microprocessors and it just carried on working, it one of the world wonders

Also the 440,000 volt national grid transformers are full of oil

 

[Weatherform]

Thanks guys, at least I can go for a fault report armed with some idea. Without wishing to take all your time, should I be able to see any oil seepage when I get under? what sort of money should I expect to pay for a replacement ECU or alternatively the selector module? I am happy to pay for fair work but the dealer mentality seems to be forget repeat business and stiff the punter for as much as possible in one go.
All your advice has been much appreciated - thank you.

 

[Xtractorfan]

And the old coils were all oil filled tho in that case as in the transformers it is used for cooling or at least to dissapate the heat and doesnt come into contact with the connections, I think the autobox fluid works in a similar way to the penetrating oil used for freeing up siezed parts and gets between the terminals and the pins causing a momentary break in the circuit .. its only a theory ....

 

[television]

the module could be changed or codes read out by a good indie at ½ the MB price,,do you have a good indie near you

 

[Xtractorfan]

The ecu can be cleaned and the harness terminals as well..if it is oil contamination you will need a new gearbox wiring loom seal.. the selector module is much more expensive , there was a story on here of some bitch having hers replaced on a sweet sl 55 for around £800..

 

[Xtractorfan]

As malcolm suggest get the codes read ..and report back if things sound expensive ... someone will keep you right

 

[Weatherform]

I'm tempted to try a clean up first cos it sounds logical. I am between Bath and Chippenham in Wilts if anyone can recommend a good indie for the readout.
As a point of interest, the fault occurs after a night parked. I would have expected oil contamination to be aggrevated by driving, but the car will start OK following any short stop once I've got over the initial early morning ball ache of getting going. Any thoughts?