w210 gearbox help!

[328matt]

have a 2001 104k 2001 e320cdi.For the last couple of months the gearbox has dropped into emergency mode without warning.I managed a 200 mile trip without a problem but a 7 mile trip made it occur twice!The problem seems to be getting worse-if i switch off the ignition and restart i have all gears available, there seems to be no power loss.....Also i have taken the car to an indy, and after plugging in the lap-top it said "check connection to ecu",which he did, but problem remains...there is no residue which this site has told me about can accumulate in the ecu box and the transmission oil was changed 5000 miles ago.Is this simply a ecu issue or is it more complex than that....i have read that a brake warning light can cause this, but the dash computer tells me all is fine with no faults at all.Thanks for your time in advance!

 

[Dieselman]

Probably the wiring connector into the front corner of the gearbox. Either flaky connection or damaged wires.

 

[Ian B Walker]

There is a relay that controls some aspects of the gearbox working. Costs approx £20. Cures the problem. How do I know? Customer broke down in Wales last week (nothing to do with any work I carried out I hasten to add). Took it to a Merc Garage and they diagnosed this problem, rectified it and he has so far not had a re occurance of limp mode.