SL500 stuck in park!

[JonSL500]

Hi everyone, I'm new on this forum as of today so hello to you all.

I have an 04/05 SL500 that is currently stuck in park, I can get everything else running but I just can't move it. I'm aware there is quite a common fault with the selectors but is there a way of over riding the park issue?

Many thanks in advance for any advice

Jon

 

[BTB 500]

Check in your handbook, there is normally an override so the car can be towed if necessary.

 

[IanA2]

See this thread: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/170329-stuck-park.html

I can't remember exactly where you push in the 1129 but the principal is the same methinks. Use a cheap bic pen or a chopstick works well.

 

[JonSL500]

thank you, I've just spent a few minutes reading through some previous posts and I've seen there is an override method. If this persists, as it looks like it could do judging by some other threads is it likely to be the selectors? I had a Mercedes specialist garage telling me it would need a part from Germany (approx. £500) plus labour to fit and of course recovery, no mention of override to get it out of park!

 

[Leabrooks]

Not sure about a SL but at the bottom of the center console (arm rest) right at the front should be the safe (a tray) or blanking cover, remove it and behind it will be a hole. Use a long screwdriver or socket extension bar and push hard through the hole in a straight line and move the gear selector when you feel movement, thats the override.

 

[AndyPCD]

As this is a r230 sl there is no over ride. This is due to the car not having a steering lock so it is locked via the selector module.

What causes the problem is a little plastic lever inside the selector breaks and this is the lever that is used to move the lock pin so you can get it out of park.

But on the other hand it might be a faulty brake light switch. A simple test is turn the ignition to position 2 and then press the brake pedal a few times. If the brake light switch is ok you should hear a clicking noise from the selector area.

If it is the plastic lever that has broken you do not have to replace the whole selector. You can buy a new modified part that is made out of metal now. This cannot be got from the dealer. I get mine from a company in australia. I have probably done 7 or 8 of these now and the delivery of the parts is very quick and reliable and have never had a problem fitting one.

 

[BlackC55]

To get it out of P, remove the selector cover and tap (with a hammer) lightly on the flat of the selector while pulling on the lever.

 

[JonSL500]

Thanks for the advice, I'm giving it a go this afternoon so fingers crossed I'll get it moving.

Many thanks

Jon

 

[JonSL500]

Andy@EC

I've tried a few things this morning and it leads me to think that it could be the brake light switch, I cannot hear a clicking noise in the selector area when I depress the brake pedal. Can you tell me where the brake light switch is located and I'll get it changed and try that.

thanks

Jon