W204 - will not move from "P" parked to "D" drive

[MBnewbie123]

Today I removed the phone cradle from the centre console of a W204 (bought in the Republic of Ireland in 2008 - I think). The phone cradle looks like it was for a Nokia phone. The cradle was in the compartment underneath the armrest in the centre of the car. There were two cables attached to the cradle. One was a single cable and the other was actually a bundle of cables (encased together). On removing the cradle I tried to disconnect the cables, but it was difficult so I cut them. Later I discovered there were connectors further down the cables. However, after I cut the cables I went to start the car to go on a journey and the gearstick would not move from the parked position. I was able to use the, for the want of a better way of putting it, the cheat method to get the gearstick into the “D” position. I got the car home in limp mode.


While working out the ‘cheat method’ briefly the engine warning light was on, but it went out when I disconnected the bundled cable properly. Now the removal of the phone cradle may be a coincidence and unconnected to the gear selection problem, but I thought I would mention it as the gear selection problem happened immediately after I disconnected the phone cradle. I cannot imagine how disconnecting the phone cradle, even in a less than elegant way, could cause the gear selection problem - but modern cars are strange beasts.


Anyway, thank you for reading the above. I would be really grateful if someone could tell me the solution to the above problem.

 

[EmilysDad]

seems like you've cut power to the solenoid on the gear selector. Normally (autos in general) the solenoid is wired such that the solenoid operates when you press the brake pedal to allow you to move out of Park ... you can often hear a click.

 

[MBnewbie123]

seems like you've cut power to the solenoid on the gear selector. Normally (autos in general) the solenoid is wired such that the solenoid operates when you press the brake pedal to allow you to move out of Park ... you can often hear a click.

Okay, thanks. I have to say, I do not think I cut the wire to that because these wires were to connect the phone cradle. I presume none of them are critical to the operation of the car as it would not make sense. It is like cutting a speaker cable and then not being able to select Drive. I might be wrong, but if I am MB have engaged in some seriously flawed engineering.

If you're right, what's the solution?

 

[EmilysDad]

....

If you're right, what's the solution?

Check to see if you cut a wire to the solenoid ... or at least check any plug/socket around there is properly connected

 

[onefortheroad]

Suggest you back track and check you didnt disturb any plugs. Theres a few switches on the gear lever as its all electronics nowadays .

 

[MBnewbie123]

Thanks, guys.

EmilysDad - you will have to excuse my ignorance , but, where is that wire?

onefortheroad - the only cables I touched were the ones connected to the phone cradle.

For clarification, the wires were inside the storage compartment under the armrest.

 

[EmilysDad]

Thanks, guys.

EmilysDad - you will have to excuse my ignorance , but, where is that wire? .....

I've no idea .... but presumably one of the wires you cut earlier. If everything worked as it should before you cut wires, it's fair to assume you cut something that you shouldn't have

 

[MBnewbie123]

I found this photo online which shows the layout of the centre console of my car (maybe I should just take a photo!). The storage compartment is under the longer armrest, which runs alongside the seat at the top of the photo. A bit hard to explain as the centre console, or whatever it is called, is quite 'busy' on these cars. I think it is far enough away from anything to do with the gearbox. As I say they may be unrelated, but it would be too much of a coincidence. Is there a particular fuse I should check?

 

[MBnewbie123]

I've no idea .... but presumably one of the wires you cut earlier. If everything worked as it should before you cut wires, it's fair to assume you cut something that you shouldn't have

It is a fair point. I think I will just leave into a garage tomorrow. After searching Google, the favourite theory is something called the brake switch not working properly! Whatever a brake switch is!

 

[onefortheroad]

It is a fair point. I think I will just leave into a garage tomorrow. After searching Google, the favourite theory is something called the brake switch not working properly! Whatever a brake switch is!

Brake pedal switch , sits above the pedal . Or under it , car dependant . £15 @ mb .

 

[EmilysDad]

I ....Whatever a brake switch is!

There's a clue in the name

Usually above the brake pedal .... you press the pedal, the plunger on the switch retracts from the switch & puts the brake lights on! It does other stuff too ....

But it would be a huge coincidence if that decided to go t1ts up on the very day that you cut wires .....

 

[robin.large]

Easiest would be to reconnect the wires.
Often spare cable is run up and back in bundles to make it neat.

A possibility is you have cut a common earth wire from the gear selector solenoid which routed through the phone unit?

Also the phone (probably Nokia 2310) would have connected in a few other sensors such as speed/volume, maybe voice dialling.

Never cut wires unless you are certain what they are!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Sounds like you have been the master of your own downfall here. The wiring to the phone system runs very close to the gear sector module, what you haven't stated is where you cut the wires or even why?

 

[MBnewbie123]

I have posted photos below showing where the wires come out of. To be clear, the parts of the wires that I cut were the bits extending beyond where the connectors are. So, if I had simply disconnected the wires to the phone cradle, are you saying the same problem would occur? It makes no sense that simply disconnecting the phone cradle would cause the gear stick not be moved from the "P" position. If it does, that is some spectacularly bad engineering. That is similar to me removing a speaker and the car not being able to drive. I also posted a photograph of the instrument panel - it shows no warning lights. If a faulty brake switch is to blame, would a warning light be shown on the instrument panel? I suspect the cause of the problem is something else, but it was too much of a coincidence not to consider the removal of the phone cradle as the cause.

 

[MBnewbie123]

There is a possibility that the wires I am showing in the photos became disconnected beneath the storage compartment (they do not feel like they have - there is plenty of tension), but in case that is the cause, does anyone know of how to get underneath the storage compartment? I.e. is there a YouTube video or instructions online showing how that is done?

Thanks for all contributions so far, btw.

 

[onefortheroad]

Someone may of taken an earth or a live feed from gearlever circuits , when you chopped through you may of blown something??

 

[MBnewbie123]

Someone may of taken an earth or a live feed from gearlever circuits , when you chopped through you may of blown something??

Okay, but, would that not blow a fuse? If it did, would that show on the instrument panel?

 

[EmilysDad]

..... If it did, would that show on the instrument panel?

No ....

 

[MBnewbie123]

No ....

Thanks. Which fuse should I check? I presume it is in the fuse box in the engine bay?

 

[EmilysDad]

Thanks. Which fuse should I check? I presume it is in the fuse box in the engine bay?

sorry .... no idea. but if you've found a fuse/relay box, have a look for a blown fuse. Google is pretty good for identifying what fuse does what