Without changing gear, consult workshop. Stuck in P

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megane

New Member
Joined
May 18, 2019
Messages
20
Location
UK
Car
Mercedes C200 w204 2014
Hi

My Mercedes C class w204, 2014 has a red message saying "without changing gear consult workshop". The gears will not change and now stuck in P.


Mechanic said Transmission is fine as it "clicks" and it is an electrical fault. It all started when (in trying to fix a left window airbag warning) the connector under the passenger seat was disconnected and the ignition turned on. Put the connectors back but still giving this issue.


Can not be cleared with several good diagnostic machines. Shows a u010387 error code. "Communication with the electronic selector level module has a malfunction". It seems to me there was some short circuit or loss of communication in messing with the connector under the passenger seat and turning the car on while disconnected. I've checked all the fuse etc also.


Any ideas how to reset it or get it to work? Mechanics have no clue all saying different things.


Thanks
 
Use STAR to diagnose and then reset the codes
 
Use STAR to diagnose and then reset the codes
Already did. Shows u010387 error code. "Communication with the electronic selector level module has a malfunction".

Sadly did not reset.
 
U010387 Communication with the electronic selector level module has a malfunction---- Should that read lever ? I could imagine that the gearlever position may be an integral part of the cars safety systems- perhaps disabling some of the safety features such as airbag deployment when the car is at rest- that's how it might be related to the side airbag problem? Have you checked all the fuses?
http://www.autocats.ws/manual/sdmedia/mediadb/mb_Acrobat/einf/204/einf_br204_2_tmodell__en.pdf

ps I can confirm that U0103 refers to lost communication with gearshift module --subsection 87 whatever that means.
While Star Clones are pretty good on powertrain OBD 2 type faults as many are non manufacturer specific when comes to body safety systems you may need the genuine MB system to fault find. Something may be pulling down some of the can bus voltages
here's some generic guidance which may or may not apply to MB U0103 Lost Communication with Gear Shift Control (GSC) Module
 
Thank you Grober and whitenemesis!!

So finally found the solution. Thanks for your input!
Whilst mechanics were quoting me >£1k to open the transmission or engine...the answer was very simple: a fuse issue.
Changed around the fuse in passenger compartment side and fixed the job. Gears lever happily communicates :)

Now I need to go back and fix my original issue:

LEFT WINDOWBAG MALFUNCTION, CONSULT WORKSHOP.
Using diagnostic kit it shows:
DTC ERROR "B002113 - THE SQUIB FOR THE LEFT WINDOWBAG/HEADBAG HAS A MALFUNCTION. THERE IS A OPEN CIRCUIT"


It's a UK vehicle so left side = passenger side. Checked the fuse for sure this time again. Checked connectors under seat thoroughly also. Still will not reset with diagnostics. Bearing in mind this airbag warning has been there for months. Tried removing the battery terminal hoping to reset but no luck.

Any advice?
 
Quick search on the forum on the fault code B005213 brought up this thread. In that case it was due to a faulty seat occupancy mat sensor failure
Mercedes W204 Showing Fault Codes B275113,B005213
I was thinking that by reading several forums. The thing is, the passenger seat recognises when it is occupied and gives a seat belt alert sound if the seat belt is not on. Similarly, when the seat is NOT occupied there is no seat belt alert. This indicated to me the seat sensor is perfectly fine?

Not sure where next?
 
I was thinking that by reading several forums. The thing is, the passenger seat recognises when it is occupied and gives a seat belt alert sound if the seat belt is not on. Similarly, when the seat is NOT occupied there is no seat belt alert. This indicated to me the seat sensor is perfectly fine?

Not sure where next?

The SRS and the seat belt sensor are two seperate sensors. Your seat belt sensor is fine, its the seat recognition sensor showing a fault.
 
The SRS and the seat belt sensor are two seperate sensors. Your seat belt sensor is fine, its the seat recognition sensor showing a fault.

WOW! Didn’t think of this. Thought it was controlled by just the one.
I’ll look into this. Thanks a million!

Quick Q however (for my knowledge):
a) The heated seats only work once occupied right? I’ve pre-turned them before picking up a mate once when cold but it doesn’t start warming until occupied. Unless, I’m mistaken, and they do in fact warm up, isn’t this sensor linked to that mentioned above?
b) this would indicate sensor is fine no?
c) or simply put what sensor are the heated seats linked to if any?
 
attachment.php

The seat occupancy sensing mat is quite a complex system. It has for example to distinguish between an adult and something like a child seat. Obviously with a rear facing child seat in the front passenger position deployment of front or side airbags would not be good! Renewing a sensor mat is far from simple as detailed in this thread on an earlier model W210 and I would expect the w204 to be similar?
Photo DIY - SRS Seat Sensor replacement - Mercedes-Benz Forum
Its possibly why many owners resort to the use of plug in seat occupancy emulators which are readily available on EBAY etc.
This fools the SRS system into thinking the occupancy sensor is working meaning the airbags will deploy come what may.
I have no experience of these and am not advocating their use merely drawing your attention to their existence.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes...-Mat-Sensor-SRS-Emulator-Bypass-/122794854553
 
attachment.php

The seat occupancy sensing mat is quite a complex system. It has for example to distinguish between an adult and something like a child seat. Obviously with a rear facing child seat in the front passenger position deployment of front or side airbags would not be good! Renewing a sensor mat is far from simple as detailed in this thread on an earlier model W210 and I would expect the w204 to be similar?
Photo DIY - SRS Seat Sensor replacement - Mercedes-Benz Forum
Its possibly why many owners resort to the use of plug in seat occupancy emulators which are readily available on EBAY etc.
This fools the SRS system into thinking the occupancy sensor is working meaning the airbags will deploy come what may.
I have no experience of these and am not advocating their use merely drawing your attention to their existence.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 Seat Occupancy Mat Sensor SRS Emulator Bypass
Brilliant! I was looking for this as a blind buy and hopes it works for my issue.

I was again hesitant because people say it causes the seat belt alert to turn on but your link shows two connectors and perhaps is the 2 in 1 product. I’ll buy it and try it.
Thanks so much. Will update if it’s worked also soon...
 
attachment.php

The seat occupancy sensing mat is quite a complex system. It has for example to distinguish between an adult and something like a child seat. Obviously with a rear facing child seat in the front passenger position deployment of front or side airbags would not be good! Renewing a sensor mat is far from simple as detailed in this thread on an earlier model W210 and I would expect the w204 to be similar?
Photo DIY - SRS Seat Sensor replacement - Mercedes-Benz Forum
Its possibly why many owners resort to the use of plug in seat occupancy emulators which are readily available on EBAY etc.
This fools the SRS system into thinking the occupancy sensor is working meaning the airbags will deploy come what may.
I have no experience of these and am not advocating their use merely drawing your attention to their existence.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 Seat Occupancy Mat Sensor SRS Emulator Bypass | eBay


So I purchased the ebay emulator and just fitted it on. Then cleared the codes using a MB diagnostic kit. Sadly the error goes away for a few seconds and the message returns! What can this be?

Really stuck now on what to do
 
Hello fellow members,
Please be gentle as this is my 1st comment.
I have the same problem as megane mentioned above regarding.. without changing gear consult workshop, im glad you have managed to sort yours out Megane, is there anyway you can tell me which fuses you changed etc?? This would really help me as this is driving me crazy!! (No pun intended)
Or anyone else knows which fuses i need to look at/change again that would be truly appreciated. Thanks in advance!.
 
I would be happy to.

I sorted out both issues some time ago.

What issue are you referring to? Stuck in gear or airbag warning?
 
Hello and thank you getting back to me!
I have a few at the moment ..
1, stuck in gear error message. (Main dash)
2, Anti-theft protection activated.
Please consult your mercedes Benz workshop. (Command unit screen)
3, the boot lid open message when boot lid is already shut.
For 2 and 3 i will look into a bit more, if you have any info on this than that would be appreciated. Reading your post u mentioned the fuse box, was there anything in particular you did to the fuses?
Thank you in advance!
 
Hello and thank you getting back to me!
I have a few at the moment ..
1, stuck in gear error message. (Main dash)
2, Anti-theft protection activated.
Please consult your mercedes Benz workshop. (Command unit screen)
3, the boot lid open message when boot lid is already shut.
For 2 and 3 i will look into a bit more, if you have any info on this than that would be appreciated. Reading your post u mentioned the fuse box, was there anything in particular you did to the fuses?
Thank you in advance!
Well if it is the same message as me a few things first. Is yours a post 2014 model? W204/205

Granted it does not change gear but does the gear lever move as normal. Does it produce the normal smooth clicking movement? If so, the gear lever is fine and don’t pay to get it opened. I was being quoted even for that. Next do other electrics still work in the car? Break lights for example?

The fuse box for gear leaver is found on the passenger foot side. There’s a lovely diagram on youtube if you search for w204 or w205 fuse box and pause the video.

Even if not blown and someone was playing with it they could have reinserted the fuse in the wrong slot. There are plenty of blank slots so it’s possible. Grad a little torch. You’ll see blank fuse slots are plain plastic but actual working fuse slots have a metal holder inside. If you remove a working fuse for example, check its not burnt out, then when inserting it into right place you’ll notice it had a metal holder. Likewise do this for all fuses to see if they are burnt and if they are in fact sitting in the metal holder slots.

Pointless if a fuse is sitting where no metal lies and clearly in its wrong place.

Let me know
 
I have a e350 2013 model,
When the error message crops up I'm enable to put into gear but when the error message dissapears than it goes into gears and drives as it should 2
I believe the fuse boxes on the e class are located in the engine bay and one also in the boot.
These messages started cropping up just under a week of purchase,
I have had this car for less than 2 weeks now,
Although i have warranty but the garage i bought from is a 4 hour drive just to get there, i will try and take a look at the fuse boxes as you mentioned above and see if i come across anything, i will also get in touch with the garage i bought off and see what they say!
I will keep you posted Megane!
Thank you again!
 
I don’t think the 2013 has a electronic gear lever and if you’re stating it does change eventually with message going off it does not seem like a fuse issue.

Electrical issue yes.

Fuse boxes are scattered around the car.

Save yourself the headache. Take it back. Lol. Trust me
 
Update....
Took the car to a mercedes benz specialist who uses the Star Diagnostic system...
Advised that the command system needs an update and with no other errors this should clear the error message.
Regarding the gear error message they have said the intelligent servo module is faulty and needs replacing and reprogramming.
The chap said he can only order part from mercedes (Germany) and needs a copy of my log book and drivers license along with a covering letter that i am happy for the garage to order the part on my behalf??..
Is this normal??...
This all new to me, has anyone come across this before re log book, drivers license and covering letter??? .... help and advise is much appreciated!
 

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