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Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Gear Selector Lever Assembly (ESM) Removal

Applicable Models:

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Rennline Performance Products Lifetime Replacement Parts Pelican Parts Tech Forums
  • Parts Required: Replacement shift lever assembly
  • Performance Gain: Transmission can be shifted properly between gears
  • Complementary Modification: Replace gear selector lever bushings

In the Mercedes-Benz 722 automatic transmission, the shift lever assembly interfaces with the ignition lock, the PCM and the brake switch.

So, troubleshooting shifting problems can involve multiple systems.

Should the shifter assembly (also known as the ESM: Electronic Selector Lever Module) be found faulty, the average SLK owner can replace it at home. The module is expensive, but paying for labor normally isn't necessary. (In some cases, the M-B STAR software is necessary to "marry" a new ESM to the PCM.)

The shifter module itself is attached to the car with four Allen-headed cap bolts. Two screws hold the center console to the shifter, and a lock clip must be pulled off the shift linkage rod, using a flatblade screwdriver. Mandatory preliminary steps involve removing the rear console and shifter cover. Please refer to these articles for specifics.

For normal-sized people to disconnect the shift linkage, the car needs to be raised and secured on jack stands. Refer to our article on safely raising and securing your vehicle on jack stands. Whenever you work under your car wear safety glasses.

The front end of the shift rod: at the range selector lever: is easier to reach and disconnect than the actual shifter end. (Please refer to the Gear Selector Bushing article for details.) This leaves the rod attached to the shifter, but it will come through the floorboard hole unencumbered once the shifter assembly is free. Further, replacing the rubber linkage bushing on the intermediate lever is easier with the shifter assembly and rod out of the car.

Installation reverses the disassembly steps. If the rod is attached to the shifter, make sure that it goes in above the transmission cross member before bolting down the shifter assembly.

Hot tip

The shift rod is easier to disconnect at the forward lever

Wayne R. Dempsey, Co-Founder & DIY Expert

Tom Morr, DIY Expert

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Project Photos

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Figure 1 The shift rod needs to be disconnected underneath the car. The rear end makes more sense, since it physically attaches to the shifter. However, the front end: at the range selector lever -- is easier to reach. Either way, pull the lock clip (red arrow) with a screwdriver and then push the rod (yellow arrow) out of the lever.
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Figure 2 The center rear console and shifter cover plate must be removed. (Please refer to those articles for details.) The shifter assembly attaches to the center console with two screws (green arrows) and to the floor with four Allen-headed bolts (yellow arrows).
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Figure 3 Once the fasteners are removed, the shifter assembly can be carefully angled out from underneath the console's rails. Removing the shift knob isn't necessarily necessary.
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Figure 4 Plugs (arrows) for wires to the PCM, brake switch and ignition need to be disconnected from the shifter module. Mark with masking tape which wire goes where to make installation easier. Then the shifter can be removed from the car.
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Figure 5 This view shows the rear-facing side of the module without the wires connected.
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Figure 6 New shifter assemblies include a new intermediate lever bushing (arrow). SLK owners who source a used assembly should consider installing a new bushing while the unit is out of the car.
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Figure 7 Logic suggests that disconnecting the shift linkage at the intermediate lever (arrow) makes the most sense. However, I found it easier to pull the front lock clip and remove the shifter assembly with the rod still attached.

Comments and Suggestions

Martin Rolls

October 24, 2023

On Question above, Nick said if the shift lock solenoid has failed you may need a new ESM. Is this because the solenoid cannot be changed or replaced or removed from the ESM so you need a replacement ESM. I have a non starting and no turn over SLK. The error comes up as a defective Y66/1 solenoid.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Yes, not serviceable separately. That sounds like the lock cylinder has failed. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Jesus

October 18, 2022

I have a question so I have a 1999 Mercedes’ SLK 230 automatic transmission, when I turn my vehicle on and shift into drive it doesn’t light up as if it’s in drive and when I drive like that my car doesn’t want to change gears at all as if I’m on 1st gear. Why is that?

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

First check the transmission fluid level to be sure it is correct. Then check the transmission ECM for fault codes. If the system is not working properly, a fault code will be set. This will be your best bet when diagnosing. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Charles

August 25, 2022

I have just picked up a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230. The fear shifter moves freely without the key or the brake depressed. What is broken? The gear shift linkage is intake. I have not removed anything. The car was towed to it's current location. Was something done to unlock the gear shifter so it could be towed? Can it be undone so the shifter locks in park as it should? The key switch also seems to be going bad because it does not turn all the time. I replaced the lock cylinder but it still does not turn after removing the key from the cylinder. I'm wondering if the gear shifter may be causing this problem.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

The shift lock solenoid may have failed. You'll likely need a new shifter. Just double-check the cables to shifter haven't been detached. - Nick at Pelican Parts

BlurryDog

March 16, 2022

John, those security bolts are not the bolts you need to undo.
Its the three outside bolts tow at the bottom corners and one at the top.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the input on this one. We appreciate the help. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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john

September 28, 2021

Mine is a 2001 SLK230. The 4 screws that hold the shifter assembly to the body are 5 star with a raised center. What do I use on these? Thanks

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

You'll need a security bit. With your vehicle info handy, give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can get you the tool kit with the right bits. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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Gary

April 16, 2021

Thanks for your tutorials regarding slk230 repairs. Regarding replacing the ESM, the back up light switch failed and is integral to the ESM, it is difficult to disconnect the shift linkage under the car because the exhaust heat shields are in the way. Once the ESM is unbolted it can be lifted up and there is adequate space to disconnect the linkage from above. Place a wire around the linkage so it does not fall down and loop a second wire through the clip so you can pull the clip up once unclipped and position it when reinstalling it. The rear console does not have to be removed which might damage the vacuum line. Once the two screws are removed on the front top of the console it can be lifted up enough to loosen the two screws underneath attached to the ESM. Then pull the screws out with needle nose pliers. To reinstall the screws, push them through plastic electricians tape sticky side up about two inches long each and then using the tape the screws are easily positioned so they can be screwed back in. Also, to remove the ESM the two small screws attaching the center console need to be removed so that this console can flex forward allowing the ESM to slide forward enough to lift it up for removal. It is a tight fit but flex it enough by pushing or prying the ESM forward. So that the gear shift lever can move from P to D during removal and reassembly, I left the key in the ignition position when I disconnected the battery. The three electrical connectors on the rear of the ESM can be easily disconnected and reconnected with the ESM in its lifted up position. The lower left two wire connector is for the back up lights.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for sharing your repair process and experience. These types of comments add so much to the Pelican tech community. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Gary Derbenwick

April 15, 2021

Thanks for your tutorials regarding slk230 repairs. Regarding replacing the ESM back up light failed and is integral to ESM, it is difficult to disconnect shift linkage under the car because the exhaust heat shields are in the way. Once the ESM is unbolted it can be lifted up and there is adequate space to disconnect the linkage from above. Place a wire around the linkage rod so it doesn’t fall down and loop a second wire through the clip so you can pull it up once unclipped and position it when reinstalling it. The rear console does not have to be removed. Once the two screws are removed on the font top of the console it can be lifted up enough to loosen the two screws. Then pull the screws out with needle nose pliers. To reinstall the screws, push them through plastic electricians tape sticky side up about two inches long and then using the tape the screws are easily positioned so they can be screwed back in. Also, to remove the ESM the two small screws attaching the center console need to be removed so that this console can flex forward allowing the ESM to slide forward enough to lift it up for removal. It’s a tight fit but flex it enough by pushing the ESM forward so it can be lifted up. I hope this helps.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Thanks for the Info. We appreciate it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

patrick

March 22, 2019

Hi guys, believe I wrote to you before, many would really benefit from an article on removing an slk 230 Manual gearbox/clutch article. Lots of guys will benefit as the world of skk's is Auto only. thanks.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

We don't currently have that tech article. If we get a chance to perform the procedure, we will be sure to document it. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Dave

November 20, 2016

I need the part that connects the range selector lever to the trans. Hopefully the pictures help. I have more pictures if you need. I know the shift rod is connected to the selector lever by bushing and clip, but can't find anything on how selector lever is connected to the trans. Thanks for your help.

Followup from the Pelican Staff:

Give The Pelican Parts parts specialists a call at 1-888-280-7799. They can figure out what part or repair kit you need. - Nick at Pelican Parts

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