HI, I have a problem with a 1997 c180 (australia) auto stuck in 2nd gear. been to lots of specialists but here is the story.

Breif:
Stuck in second - I have been told it is in LIMP mode.
External Computer readings say - Code: 147 - implausable or transmission slipping.
MB specialist says computer is reading the gear changes but something in the transmission is stopping it from changing.


I had a problem with the Diff centre and replaced it with a second hand one supposedly from the same model. The car went onto the hoists for the diff replacement and gears were changing fine. It come off the hoist with this problem. The car is slow to go into reverse (4 seconds before it connects). When driving it takes off and drives in second gear. I have tried changing the gears manually (with the semi-auto gear stick) and that doesn't make a difference. Transmission oil level/colour is fine for its age(model does not have a dipstick).

This has been going on for weeks and is costing me a fortune. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

Just found out the diff ratio's were incompatable. The one I bought second hand was 3.64. The diff centre in the car was 3.23 . Now I have to get a replacement diff...again, and try that. Does anyone have any other suggestions or comments as to why the gears won't work with different ratio diffs when the guy I bought it from told me it shouldn't matter (he also told me the diff was the ratio I asked for - 3.23).