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Mitabud
Member
Date registered: Aug 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Vehicle(s): '99 G500. '85 300gd
Posts: 9
| '99 G500 Transmission
Has anyone replaced parts in the shift module on a '99-'00 G500? We replaced a badly slipping transmission with a new factory unit, but it still sometimes sticks in first gear when lever is placed in D position. It happened a half dozen times in the first 9 years of life on the original trans, but it's happening regularly now. Fix is to pull over, shift back into P, then into D again. If it's cold outside (<50F, So. Cal), it may take two tries till it wants to shift properly. Once warmed, problem usually disappears. Oil level is exactly full. I wonder if something electronic in the shift module needs replacing but I don't want to disassemble this unit if it's a bear, or special tools are needed. I'm told this module is quite similar to '98+ C class car, so if anyone has tackled this repair, I'd like to hear about it. Apparently parts for the module are available, but not the module as a complete unit. |
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AlanMcR
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, CA, Los Altos
Vehicle(s): G300DT E300DT 230SL
Posts: 3500
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission
Mitabud - 12/10/2009 10:18 PM Has anyone replaced parts in the shift module on a '99-'00 G500? We replaced a badly slipping transmission with a new factory unit, but it still sometimes sticks in first gear when lever is placed in D position. It happened a half dozen times in the first 9 years of life on the original trans, but it's happening regularly now. Fix is to pull over, shift back into P, then into D again. If it's cold outside (<50F, So. Cal), it may take two tries till it wants to shift properly. Once warmed, problem usually disappears. Oil level is exactly full. I wonder if something electronic in the shift module needs replacing but I don't want to disassemble this unit if it's a bear, or special tools are needed. I'm told this module is quite similar to '98+ C class car, so if anyone has tackled this repair, I'd like to hear about it. Apparently parts for the module are available, but not the module as a complete unit. By "shift module" do you mean the console shift lever? If so, I don't think that is is tough to work on. Given your symptoms I would look into the switch gear that sends the D4321 signal. As I understand it, the shift rod going to the transmission only moved through PRND, after that the gear choice is sent electrically by the switch module.
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
If you run the RPM's up by giving it more throttle when it won't shift, and then pull back on the throttle, will the transmission shift? |
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Mitabud
Member
Date registered: Aug 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Vehicle(s): '99 G500. '85 300gd
Posts: 9
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission
Yes, the console shift lever. I have an unused C class console complete, but the bottom shift rod is a different length and curve than mine, so I thought to dissasemble it and try to swap rods. The daunting part is opening it up. There are plenty of scrap E class consoles (water or coffee spilled onto them) to practice on but they are different. C class drivers must be better at keeping their drinks in the cup.
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Mitabud
Member
Date registered: Aug 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Vehicle(s): '99 G500. '85 300gd
Posts: 9
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
No Paint, this morning in 'D' I tried running up the revs on first takeoff higher than usual, backed off quickly and it stayed in first. Did the usual fix, into P and back into D and it began shifting normally. |
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Container
Veteran
Date registered: Jul 2006
Location: Sweden
Vehicle(s): 1998 G500L, 1994 E36 AMG Coupé, 2007 E500T 4-matic
Posts: 114
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission
Isn´t it the usual "cold engine shift delay" to reduce emissions? I have it on both my MB:s, more when it is cold outside. |
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
My "cold engine shift delay" is similar to what is described in the book - basically it holds gear a little longer than usual for the first couple minutes. I will never fail to shift though. If the transmission is new, do you have a warranty on it? |
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Mitabud
Member
Date registered: Aug 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Vehicle(s): '99 G500. '85 300gd
Posts: 9
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
Yes, it's new and it has a warranty, but I still sense the problem is in the shifter. It has happened, though infrequently, to move from P or R into D with a warm engine, and still be stuck in first gear.
This was the same on the original factory G trans, though it would be months between occurence . Now it always happens with a cold engine/trans. |
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MiN
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Alpujarras, Spain
Vehicle(s): No cars, at all.
Posts: 555
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
I have the same year G500. This problem did occur to me. I stripped down the shift lever console and re-assemled it after careful cleaning and lubricating. The disassembly is not difficult and can be found in the WIS: AR27.60-P0920B. The internals get pretty clogged up with dust and grime because the bottom of the console is open to the elements via the gap allowing the shift rod to move backwards and forwards.
After doing this job the problem stopped. If someone can post that WIS job on here, it wouldbe a great help for the OP. How to remove the console from the car is WIS: AR27.60-P-0900GM. |
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BlueG
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Aug 2009
Location: DC
Vehicle(s): 2003 G500
Posts: 714
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
I love how on higher end cars like G's you can actually disassemble and clean whereas on cheaper cars its almost impossible to do anything but replace.
WD-40 is my favorite with cleaning anything with contacts. Electrical connection cleaner spray for anything that plugs in. |
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ewikran
Veteran
Date registered: Jan 2009
Location: Tromso, Norway
Vehicle(s): W463 1997 300DT
Posts: 256
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
I have the problem of not being able to shift into 3-2-1. D and R works and no other problems. I suspect that the shifter could use a good clean and lubrication. If someone could post the WIS job sheets as given by MiN above I would be grateful. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
ewikran - 12/13/2009 5:28 AM
I have the problem of not being able to shift into 3-2-1. D and R works and no other problems. I suspect that the shifter could use a good clean and lubrication. If someone could post the WIS job sheets as given by MiN above I would be grateful.
When I first purchased my 2000 G500, I was given the advice by Europa International's chief mechanic to frequently go through the 4-3-2-1 gears manually. This was to keep the electrical switching for these gears viable. |
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| WIS Info
ewikran - 12/13/2009 5:28 AM
If someone could post the WIS job sheets as given by MiN above I would be grateful.
Here you go:
Attachments
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 Remove_install center console.pdf (19KB - 78 downloads)
Remove_install floor selector.pdf (34KB - 74 downloads)
Disassembling and assembling floor shift.pdf (56KB - 79 downloads)
Adjusting shift rod.pdf (21KB - 66 downloads)
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nadd
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: UAE, Dubai
Vehicle(s): G500 2016 LHD, numerous Chevys
Posts: 1285
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
Thanks for all the info and documents. Estimated labour time, maybe 2 hours? |
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ewikran
Veteran
Date registered: Jan 2009
Location: Tromso, Norway
Vehicle(s): W463 1997 300DT
Posts: 256
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
Excellent, Dutch!
Now will I get this sorted in the spring.
Is there any parts that could be beneficial to replace when the thing is apart? I see that the job sheets recommends to check the bearing bush left/right for wear. I find a cost of about 2-3$ each and could be nice to have in hand while the mechanism is apart.
Other items that “usually” fail?
I don't know exactly how this ting work, but something is stopping me to move the lever from D and into the 4-3-2-1 shift pattern. Is there a locking device that may be faulty and should be replaced? |
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G-AMG
G-Class DIY Host
Date registered: May 2006
Location: South Texas
Vehicle(s): '04 G55, '80 280GE, '99 S420, '98 E320, 2011 E350
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission
Hmmm, before you go throwing expensive parts, and lots-O-hours at the problem...
Why not run a Diagnostic check, to help Nail Down the faulty component????
Is it REALLY a shifter issue, or is it an ETC problem?? |
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MiN
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: Alpujarras, Spain
Vehicle(s): No cars, at all.
Posts: 555
| Re: '99 G500 Transmission
ewikran, in addition to the problem that the OP has, I also had the problem you've highlighted. The first time it happened I was just about to descend a rather long slip face and couldn't get into 1st gear - not a pleasant experience. When you pull the console apart you will be able to see the amount of grime that's in there and it does phyiscally hamper the movement of the gear lever from D into 4-3-2-1. You'll also be able to see the wear on any of the moving components and replace them individually, if required. |
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martin
Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Del Mar, CA Isles of Scilly, UK
Vehicle(s): 99 G500 95 E300D 95 R1100GS 06 K1200R
Posts: 297
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission ... 2 new problems
I, too, have the same issue as ewikran and MiN. I can't shift past "D" (drive). I decided to take apart the center console and remove the floor shifter assembly to determine the problem. Thanks Dutch for posting the WIS documents.
The assembly was fairly clean inside with the exception of the locking lever (#136) and the adjacent bushing (#122). There was rust buildup on the shift shaft (#116) that had siezed the bushing and locking lever. I disassembled the mechanism, cleaned everything, relubed and reassembled. Seems to work flawlessly until I put on the bottom cover. With the bottom cover attached, the shift travel stops at "D". I still cannot access gears 1-4. The clevis (#112a) is getting hung up on the metal shift gate (#128) that snaps into the bottom cover. Is there a trick to the reassembly? Am I missing something?
The second problem is now I can't start the engine. I decided to reassemble the shifter despite the fact that I hadn't cured the 1-4 shift issue and reinstall it in the truck. Easy enough to do, 4 bolts, three unique electical plug connections and snap on the shift rod linkage. There is no voltage to the starter. All the other electrical stuff works. I held the ignition key in the start position while I shifted from P (GL) to D thinking that there might be a misadjustment in the shift linkage, but nothing.
Any tips, help, advise to get me going again will be hugely appreciated.
Thanks.
-Martin
 (1999 G500 floor shifter-01.jpg)
 (1999 G500 floor shifter-02.jpg)
 (1999 G500 floor shifter-03.jpg)
Attachments
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1999 G500 floor shifter-01.jpg (605KB - 13 downloads)
1999 G500 floor shifter-02.jpg (609KB - 11 downloads)
1999 G500 floor shifter-03.jpg (419KB - 10 downloads)
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DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission ... 2 new problems
Does this parts diagram help any?
 (Shift_Lever.jpg)
Attachments
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Shift_Lever.jpg (195KB - 11 downloads)
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martin
Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Del Mar, CA Isles of Scilly, UK
Vehicle(s): 99 G500 95 E300D 95 R1100GS 06 K1200R
Posts: 297
| RE: '99 G500 Transmission
Thanks for help Dutch. I already have an EPC account and referenced that exact image.
After I wrote my first post, I removed, disassembled, reassembled and reinstalled the floor shifter assembly again. I've done this several times now so it only takes about 15 minutes to do the entire procedure. The problem of not being able to shift beyond Drive still persists. I think there must be something not lining up or out of adjustment. When I first removed the assembly from the center console area, I noticed that it had been apart before. Screwdriver marks on the housing clips. It worked when I bought the truck, but I haven't used the lower gears for awhile. Trying to get prepared for an Anza Borrego weekend.
I don't think any of the three electical connections are a starter lockout or override, so I'm stumped as to why I don't have any ignition now.
Maybe some of the other early 463 guys have done this rebuild and can shed dome light on the issues.
Thanks.
-Martin |
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