w210 limp mode

[e300td111]

Hello

Could anyone hep me please

It looks like my w210 1999 e300td is in limp mode. He does not change gear and the speed limiter does not work. He gives me three horizontal lines and some warning bleeps.

The breakdown recovery tried disconnecting the battery and it didn't help and then they said it’s the limp mode.

As I googled and googled I worked out there is something like an ecu.

What is the problem?
Will it help if I just replace the ecu? I found a second hand one.
Does it need to be programmed to the car?
If yes is: part number A0215450832 Siemens 5WK33908 the right one.

I know the s/w switch was played with and the car was mistakenly driven in w for a few minutes.



the switch was takan apart by a good handy man and it was fine. after reassembly the problem still exists.


I don't have a clue about cars and this is my first merc (have it for about a month).

Could anyone explain/ help me out.

Thanks

 

[Dieselman]

The gearbox ECU has lost the speed sensing information it needs. This will be either an ABS sensor, hub reluctor ring or the speed sensor in the gearbox.

 

[e300td111]

Thanks dieselman

Dismantling of the gear shifter was done according to the pics you posted. Got to tell you it was quite a job and it’s really admirable that you did it again just to post the pics.

I don’t know much about cars which means all I understood from you was that the ecu has a problem. Will it help to change it? Are we talking about computer reset or am I in for a hardware problem. How do I minimize the cost of the repair

Thanks again

 

[e300td111]

Hello

I am new to forums and i don't know whats the done thing in the community but could someone please explain a bit more.
Have i got any hope here or should i scrap the car.
How much should the fixing cost.

Thanks

 

[Tinkerer]

I would think from the sound of it that you need to tell us where you are so that someone can point you in the direction of a good indy to keep the cost of diagnosis & repair down. Good luck.

 

[Dieselman]

You need to have the codes read on a STAR diagnostic device.

The fault is probably the electronic plate in the gearbox. £250 + labour.

 

[e300td111]

Hello

I am in the Manchester area.

Is it a fault or is it possible the ecu thinks its a fault and a reset will do the job?

thanks

 

[Dieselman]

Not if it keeps happening, the gearbox ECU has no memory, so it must be seeing a live fault.

 

[e300td111]

I never reset it its bank holiday and i am stuck.

Question is if i should get it tested and reset and than walk of or is that stupid. also if changing the ecu could help?

Thanks

 

[johnsco]

This sounds exactly the same problem that I am having ... Only difference is that my problem is intermittant.
It has been OK yesterday and today.
I will follow DM's good advice and get the codes read later this week.
It's comforting to know that the electronic plate is only £250 ... ish .
Is it a box out job ... Or can it be changed with the pan dropped ?

 

[Dieselman]

It can be installed with the box in situ.
It's worth checking the connecting plug as well before condemning the plate, after all the plate is a dumb device, a few magnetic sensors and some solenoids and that's it.

 

[johnsco]

Thanks DM.
The fact that the fault is intermittant ... It could possibly be a poor connection
Cheers.
John

 

[e300td111]

Hello

booked myself in to a mb specialist. he said he will read the codes and on a star diagnostic system and reset them.

as far as I understand there are a few problems that might be. is there anything I need to know so they don't play around with me.

Thanks

 

[johnsco]

I had the codes scanned on my E300TD this morning.
It was indeed the speed sensor.
Will have a look at the connector, but I guess it may well be a new electronic plate.

Ouch !!