SL500 R230 stuck in Park - Brake Light Switch?

[E55BOF]

My '05 R230 SL500 is stuck in Park. This is a known fault (well, more stupid design fault, really...) on the R230, though there's not much about it on here, but plenty on US forum threads.

The problem is usually either that a cheap plastic piece in the linkage at the selector has broken, or that the brake light switch is not sending a release signal to the transmission Park lock to release.

If it's the crappy plastic piece, it can be a royal PITA to get at, because there's no manual release for the Park lock, but you have to release it to get the centre console off to get to the linkage to release it... Ooooooh yes; and that often means violence, and damage - a popular move is to saw off the gear lever as the cheapest part to replace. See what I mean by stupid design fault?

I do hope it's the brake light switch! However, the brake lights come on every time I press the pedal.

My question is, could the brake light switch operate the brake lights but not the transmission Park lock?

 

[AMGeed]

My question is, could the brake light switch operate the brake lights but not the transmission Park lock?

In a word...yes .
Got to be worth replacing the switch before considering the alternative.

 

[E55BOF]

I'm 99% sure there is no solenoid click at the gear selector as the brake pedal is pressed, which would suggest the fault is electrical. I've ordered a new brake light switch. Fingers crossed...

 

[Ted]

As I understand it, the brake light switch has more than one set of contacts. No idea why as it just signals to the canbus, - maybe different pressure thresholds but it is certainly the first thing that I would check/replace.

 

[E55BOF]

I'll replace it and hope the problem isn't the solenoid in the gear selector assembly that actuates the crappy plastic piece. As I said, fingers crossed...

 

[E55BOF]

And the brake light switch it was. Phew! No violence required or damage caused, thank goodness, and the solenoid can be clearly heard doing its stuff now.

The footwell trim needed only three Torx screws removing and some wiggling and pulling, and it drops down so you can reach the brake switch. I can't get it to clear the parking brake pedal so I can remove it entirely, but that's not necessary to do the job.

Not finished yet, though, as the replacement Febi switch is duff; the brake lights are permanently on. I've ordered a(nother) new one.

 

[Uky]

I * t h i n k * I saw somewhere that if/when working, the plastic part in the gear selector can be removed as a preemptive action in order to avoid future problems.

(Comments invited)

 

[flowrider]

I * t h i n k * I saw somewhere that if/when working, the plastic part in the gear selector can be removed as a preemptive action in order to avoid future problems.

(Comments invited)

You are correct that the plastic lever in the gear shifter can be removed entirely, it just means you have no gear lever lock.