w203, transmission woes

[sam496]

I'm pretty sure that the gear selector module on my 2003 C class cdi estate is playing up.

I have done a code read and cleared what I could using a Bosch generic reader, codes I could not clear include P240C (x2) signal from selector module not plausible.

Started by sticking in high gear, then low gear, display often does not change to correct reading.

status at moment is after checking all the usual reported faults (grounds etc) the car drove fine, all functions working well, stopped for a hour, reversed out and in drive was jammed in first gear, tried key off resets several times (normally works) but after 20 attempts I gave up and drove 1 mile in low. placed in park while I opened the gates and it would not pull away in drive, just revved. after a few gear selector movements and a couple of resets it managed to go into gear.

there's a few on EBay including one with the same part number
2032676024 also a few with the last 4 digits are different, they also use a 5 digit number rather than this number but I dont know where that comes from??

Any help with symptoms or part numbers much appreciated, one advertiser didn't give a part number as he claimed they were all the same..

if the trans is scrap so is the car.

Based in Herts not far from Watford so any independent reasonable trans experts recommendations appreciated. I have rebuilt a few transmissions both auto and manual in my time so can do a bit for myself..

thanks for any help

Sam

 

[whitenemesis]

Firstly, have you checked the atf level is correct?

 

[sam496]

No but as there are no leaks anywhere including the connector for the trans module is there any need too. its been fine until recently.

 

[whitenemesis]

Every need to. It's a fundamental check that should be done irrespective.

Has the 'box ever been serviced, atf and filter changed? Recommended at ~37k intervals

 

[sam496]

vehicle serviced by dealer from new until recently, I have the history somewhere

 

[whitenemesis]

Worth a check but for some time MB said the 203 'box was sealed for life with no service intervals stipulated. Consensus of opinion is they need doing every 37-40k miles

 

[Auto-mobile]

Had this recently on a 2004 c220cdi, same code amd same faults, £600 new, customer didn't want to spend that amount so sourced a second hand one for £60 (matched the number) sorted the issue.

 

[sam496]

I've got one on its way from "up North" and have seen a claim that the number does not make a great deal of difference. Ebay was from 80 up to 150.. breaker search engine was bringing results of around the same but eventually got a reply for one at 45 with a 6 month guarantee, good enough and cheap enough if its not that. I'll fit a new conductor plate (ebay 100 quid) and if its not that I will break it up for spares.... I need a van anyway..

 

[sam496]

Gear selector module arrived Tuesday (£45 +VAT + Postage) cheapest one I could find and it had a 6 month guarantee.. fitted and has done several short trips, all errors have gone.

Parts came from Prestige Allparts Ltd and they were much cheaper than anywhere else I could find using the " make a request and we'll mail you services"

Problem solved....