w210 won't shift from Drive or Neutral

[Zeev]

I have an E220 CDI, w210 body, 2002 which I bought recently. Within a few days I discovered that often, when I stop I can not shift to R or P. The gearshift only moves between D and N. I can not take the key out or drive backwards. Usually, after I stop I can shift once, but if I try to shift again to D, I can not return to R or P until I drive forward, which is not always possible. If it were locked on P, I would have suspected the brake sensor. However, in this case I am clueless. The only way to release the gear is to insert a screwdriver into the emergency window, and I can't do it always. Any help would be deeply appreciated!

 

[television]

This just sounds like the sector lever is possibly worn (bushes)or the interlock cable is out of adjustment

 

[stevenN]

I have the same motor and had a similar problem. At first when you selected drive it jolted into gear. Then you could only move the lever into reverse by turning off the ignition.
The car would only go into second gear.
The dash would not display the gear selected
I had the gear selector replaced and all is well again.
Not a cheap part and you have to drop the gearbox a little to connect it.

 

[Zeev]

Thank you for the swift replies.
Turning off the ignition won't help at all. And, what is strange is that it usually happens after I shift once and return back to Drive. Other than that the gearbox seems to work fine and when in Drive seems to work normally. Malcolm, how can I check if the shifter is worn? And where is the interlock cable. This is my first Merc and I am not familiar with the mechanics.
Thanks again!

 

[stevenN]

If you follow this link and enter your Vin number you should be able to find the part you are after and where it goes

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...lient=dr2000&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13300683616111

 

[television]

I can send you the adjustment papers for the shift

 

[Alex Crow]

As above, my first thought would be a failing selector module, especially if the gear display is ever missing or incorrect.

Beyond that, again as above, we might possibly be into adjustment or wear issues - is there a lot of free play in the linkage?

 

[Zeev]

Malcolm, the link to the parts chart is amazing! I will have to find the route to the part I need, but on the way I will get to know my car better. If you can send me the charts, I will try to figure out how to test and adjust the unit. Does the lock that prevent me from shifting have other functions than just to make sure I do not shift by accident to reverse?
Alex- thank you for the response. I am not sure if I have a play in linkage, mostly because I do not know (yet) what exactly is a linkage. I always drove stickshift cars before so I will have to learn a lot. As for the gear display - I have a common VDO ribbon problem, the display is dead. I ordered a ribbon cable from pixelfix and will repair it soon (hopefully). And, I really hope I will not have to change the shifter!

What will happen if I fix the emergency release (in a window at the base of the handle) to be pressed? Will there be any damage to the gearbox or shifter?

 

[television]

You cannot damage anything else by doing that.

I need an Email address to send details

 

[Zeev]

It is barvish@bgu.ac.il
Is there an easy way of doing a permanent override of the lock?
Thanx!

 

[television]

Some details sent

 

[Zeev]

I have pinpointed a problem to solenoid of the geatshift handle - it sometimes does not engage. Is there a way of fixing/replacing it? Maybe even a good clean/lubricate job will fix it. Apparently the part is not listed for sale by MB, only whole unit.

 

[television]

Solenoids should never be lubricated so a problem,,, now is that solenoid getting the 12volts it needs, and is there any micro switch that could be dirty.

This is the wiring diagram

http://www.autolib.diakom.ru/CAR/Mercedes-Benz/1997/E320/SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS/6254.pdf

You could try cleaning the ECU with a non drying switch cleaner, I know that Elfa Distrelec have it

 

[Zeev]

Thank you for the info and a circuit diagram. Would you happen to have a blowout chart/instructions how to take out and disassemble my problematic gearshift box? It is a 5 speed tiptronic. I am not sure how to get to this solenoid. When it engages I can hear it barely. I believe it gets power straight from the brake switch, which I am sure is not faulty, but I took it out, disassembled and cleaned all the contacts with contact cleaner anyway.

 

[television]

I will be able to print off the removal instructions for the shift box, but not for taking it apart as there is no service info on these, they were just made to be replaced, you could buy one very cheap now on Ebay.

 

[Zeev]

Thank you! I haven't seen any tiptronic shifters on eBay, but I guess it will pop up eventually.