Limp mode and gear change judder

[e280x]

Hi,
Car is a W211, 2007, E280 CDI OM642, 7 speed auto.
So during a long trip, going there was fine. On the way back after around 30 minutes of driving I realised there wasn't much power and the car would not go over 2.5k revs. No kick down and hardly any throttle response (reading around I have learnt this is limp mode)
Tried dropping the gears with the paddle shift and it looked on the dash like they were changing but didn't really feel it in the cars engine speed or sound.
When putting it in to manual mode it showed on the dash the gear being stuck on "5"

Parked up on the hard shoulder and when changing the gear in to "P" before switching the ignition off the car would judder as I went through each gear.

Turned the car off for around 5 minutes - Started it up again - seemed to work fine all the way home.

This same issue has happen a few times now on long journeys.
Previously I have reset the transmission using the required sequence.
Any ideas.
Thanks

 

[wu56Shoozz]

Needs the codes read mate, no to ways about it - other wise you'll be chasing your tail for ever and a day, ask me how I know?

 

[zipdip]

Getting it on a star is the best option,if there are no codes stored,buy yourself a battery tester,and check that the main battery is fully charged,I think your car has two batteries,you need to check the one running everything except starting the car,I have known a battery that is well past it's best effecting the auto box,the guys on here swear by a cheap tester they buy in Lidl's I bought one and it does the job.

 

[e280x]

Thanks for the responses. Will have to find some one that can read the mercedes codes. Do they have to have the star system or will any do?
As for the battery testing. Its correct that there are two, Main one is in the boot and smaller one at the front.
How long do they normally last?

Will this tester do the job??
Draper Car 12V Battery/Alternator Voltage Tester Charging System Analyser 6 LED | eBay

 

[AndrewOl]

A proper diagnostics from an independent MB garage will be much more worthwhile. 7g gearboxes often have issues with their internal control unit. MB do an exchange service that doesn’t end up being too eye watering.

 

[chrisk2010]

I had the same problem and agree with the above, go for a proper diagnostics read out.

When mine went it turned out to be the conductor plate and sensors in the transmission which i have been told is common with a 722.9 transmission if that's what you have.

That being said only a proper diagnostics read out will tell what the problem is as like zipdip said it could be anything from the battery to modules, sensors or low oil but if it isn't leaking you can rule one out.

 

[e280x]

I'll have a look around for a garage with a star system.
In the mean time I've checked the battery with a multi meter, don't have a battery tester at the moment but will buy one. Car had not been used for a few days and the multi meter read 11.6v, Started the car and the reading went up to ~14v. Does that seem right?

Used a standard OBD2 device to read the codes and its showing the "P1101" which after reading around I believe to be related to MAF sensors and air intake. Would this cause the limp mode and judder when selecting gears through D-->N-->R-->P?

 

[zipdip]

Well I not sure where you are ,but find a indy in your area,or post your location and maybe we can point you to one,if star shows that there are codes related to the speed plate,then it will need to be repaired or replaced,the only reason for it to be replaced is that you have a short between components ,a indy will remove the plate and send it to be tested and the faulty part/s will be changed and tested,as the returned plate is your own it will not need coded to your car,cost well a indy may well charge with the ATF and filters about £500,so a star is money well spent if it shows there is something else wrong with your car,as for testing your battery the alternator seems fine,and to be fair so does the battery.