Q: Mercedes ml320 2001 only go in reverse we checked the fluid its fine it all of a sudden start doing this with no indication of tra

asked by on October 05, 2016

Mercedes wont shift in to gear it barely goes into reverse but i hve to keep cuting it on an off yet it never gave me any problems befor this

My car has 175000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. When this occurs all of a sudden I would usually start by checking the transmission control module for codes. This would let me know if there are any foreseen electrical issues.

If there are no codes then the fluid needs to be checked in the transmission. If it is low then this can occur. If the fluid level is fine but it is dark or smells burnt then the transmission has failed. Most of the time this is caused by a transmission that has failed internally or a failure in the valve body or transmission control module.

For an issue like this, it’s best to have the shifting issue diagnosed by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic. One of our mobile technicians can come to your home to diagnose and fix the issue.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Number one coil melting down
I would say that there is some sort of malfunction with either the control side of your coil that is causing the coil to stay energized or there is a problem with your spark plug. If the spark plug has...
Engine turns over, cannot run
Hello. I would have the system scanned for any codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) and have them diagnosed to see if they lead to possible cause of the problem. Have the fuel system also checked for any problems when the problem happens to...
Had timing chains replaced, check engine light continues to come on
Hello. If the Check Engine Light has come on, I would take the vehicle back to the dealership and have them take care of the issue. As all of your issues only began after their major service, they should be...
Front wheel rattle on passenger side
Hi there. If the noise occurs when you accelerate the engine then it more than likely does not have anything to do with the brakes. From what you are explaining it sounds like an exhaust heat shield is loose. When...
My truck is overheating and when I turn heat on only cold air comes out?
Hi there. Check for any external coolant leaks. Look at the radiator, heater hoses, radiator hoses, heater core, and the core plugs (freeze plugs) on the engine and see if there is any visible coolant leaks. If there is no...
Belt keeps slipping off
The possible causes of this include that the pulleys are not all in the same plane, the pulley on the harmonic balancer has shifted due to a break in the rubber bond, the belt tension is inadequate and/or the bearings...
what engines are compatible with a 86 firebird trans am
You are constrained by what the original engine was because the original engine is matched to your vehicle's onboard OBD-I computer and vehicle wiring harness. Also, the present suspension in the vehicle (if it is all original) was matched to...
2012 explorer liftgate ajar on when it is closed
The rear door has two different door or window ajar switches is you have separate window that opens. The wiper will not operate when the door shows open for safety. Open and make sure window is closed secure and then...
Coolant loss and vibration of front end with funny noise in my AWD Subaru
The problem sounds like the steering rack and pinion is noisey and grinding internally and may need replaced. This can cause erratic steering control.

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a Cold Climate
If If you live in a cold climate, likely one of your biggest concerns when you are considering which used vehicle you should buy is how well it will perform in snowy, icy conditions. We have evaluated a number of...
Is It Safe to Drive With the Transmission Temperature Light On?
Most people don’t know very much about vehicle transmissions, and realistically, why should they? All you want to do is get in...
How to Get Mercedes-Benz Dealership Certified
Mercedes Benz dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to those certified through Mercedes-Benz's Automotive Systems Technical & ELITE programs.