Mercedes Won’t Move When Placed in Drive Reverse

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Why does my Mercedes-Benz not move when placed on drive or reverse? Know what is causing your vehicle not to move and learn the possible solutions by following the procedures below.

A faulty Mercedes-Benz shifter module may cause this problem. The circuit board of the shift module can be damaged. If the owner moves the shift lever to Drive, the transmission does not engage, and the selected gear does not display on the instrument cluster.

Symptoms

  • Mercedes E-Class W213 won’t move when placed in drive.
  • Mercedes E-Class W213 won’t move when placed in reverse.
  • The selected gear doesn’t show on the instrument cluster.

Note that the auto parking and the parking brake continue to work properly.

Possible Solution

Mercedes steering column shifter

Replace the steering column control module; refer to WIS: AR54.25-P-2802LW.

The problem could also be the Mercedes Benz Intelligent Servo Module(ISM) module installed on the transmission side. For more information, learn more about the ISM module here.

Read the fault codes with a Mercedes-Benz All System Scanner to find out what is wrong.

What You Need

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Chassis 213). Under the recall campaign, Mercedes dealers replace the Steering Colum Module.

Affected Vehicles

  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E Class (W213)
    • E300
    • E300 4Matic

Recall Details

Mercedes-Benz recalled certain E-Class models for this problem. According to the recall: “The affected vehicles may have a damaged steering column-mounted shift lever module.

If the internal circuit board is damaged, moving the shift lever will not select a transmission gear. The auto-P function and automatic parking brake will continue operating as intended and prevent the vehicle from moving forward or rearward.”

As a proposal, Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the steering column modules on the affected vehicles.

The recall is expected to begin in March 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

We hope you find the Mercedes Won’t Move When Placed in Drive Reverse guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help with your Mercedes-Benz.

Resources

  1. Mercedes notice to dealers
  2. Transmission may not respond to shift lever input.
  3. Recall Acknowledgment

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

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