C43 paddle shift - need help!

[robertc43]

My C43 is fitted with the Racelogic Switchlogic Gearbox controller system, but unfortunately, it no longer works.

The system has buttons for changing gear on the reverse of the steering wheel which are meant to be engaged when the car is switched from summer to winter mode (on the transmission).

The system was fitted by Birds, but they've advised me that they don't know how to fix it.

I'd be really grateful if anyone has any ideas on how to get it working again. Thanks.

Robert

 

[robertc43]

When I posted this thread, I didn't think Racelogic were still in business, but I've discovered that they are.

I've contacted them and they advise that they don't have any staff who know anything about it and they don't have any documentation.

Looks like I need an auto electrician who can diagnose and fix a black box system!

Please get in touch if you know someone who might be up for the challenge.

Thanks.

 

[robertc43]

Looks like the system isn't completely dead. The dashboard display for the gear selection still works.

When the racelogic system isn't engaged, you can't tell that there's a display for the gear selection. Quite an impressive install.

Would be more impressive if it worked

 

[Gridlock]

How annoying - I've spent enough of my own time chasing random companies that don't remember what they did once upon a time that I sympathise.

Cool mod though, wonder how reactive it is (when working)

 

[BlackC55]

You need an electronics expert. I may have just the man that can help. Let me do a search. Hold on

 

[BlackC55]

http://www.joules-electronics.com

He has a C32 and knows his stuff.

 

[robertc43]

How annoying - I've spent enough of my own time chasing random companies that don't remember what they did once upon a time that I sympathise.

Cool mod though, wonder how reactive it is (when working)

I was a little disappointed by the response from Racelogic but I do appreciate that it's a product they've not made for a long time. If we get it working, I'll report back on how responsive it is.

http://www.joules-electronics.com

He has a C32 and knows his stuff.

Very good of you. I've sent him an email.

 

[BlackC55]

Say Olly at Prestige sent you.

 

[robertc43]

Say Olly at Prestige sent you.

Have done - and he's already got back to me. He thinks he might be able to help. I'll report back.

 

[robertc43]

Quite an interesting update on this.

First of all, joules-electronics have been really helpful. They've described the component parts of the system and how they integrate with the car. There is a control module which connects to the gearbox ECU, and the control module has a wired connection to the gear display on the dash and should have wired connections to the steering wheel switches. No software modifications are required to the car.

Unfortunately, joules-electronics are a 6 hour round trip from me, so I've had my local Mercedes specialist (Elite Independent in Elland) take a look at the system. I should also pay compliments to them as they've been really helpful too.

Both the switches in the steering wheel have loose wires which don't appear to have ever been connected. In addition, the interface between the steering column and the steering wheel consists of a device which supplies current to the air bag and the horn but there is no indication of any wires to connect to the steering wheel switches. Moreover, it's hard to see how it would be possible to modify this interface to wire up the steering wheel switches.

As we've located the racelogic control module, I asked whether we could try changing gear directly via the inputs that should connect to the steering wheel, but without knowing more about the system, that's beyond their level of expertise.

Given the above, I'd be very interested to hear if anyone has a working version of this system, or if you've any thoughts on how wiring could be fitted between the steering wheel and column.

 

[rubenracing]

Hi Robert, do you still have the C43 equipped with the Shiftronic system from Racelogic?

 

[Petrol Pete]

Hi Robert, do you still have the C43 equipped with the Shiftronic system from Racelogic?

Hi . The last post is 12 years old and Robert has not been on here for more than 8 years . I hope he pop's back up to help out. I am hoping to learn more