From what my stuff shows you need a higher end scan tool to work with that year of r170.
Early R170 had a 38 pin diagnostic socket under the hood which was required for anything beyond basic reading codes but sometimes that doesnt mean you cant do it anyways with higher end scanners.
Up to 2000 used both connectors. 2001 and later worked with most of the cheaper scanners.
On my older bmw's for instance that have a similar underhood connector setup you have to short two wires together to get it to send the signal thru the obd connector under the dash allowing regular scanners to work with it.
Even if you have fixed the original cause your going to need to clear the code to get it out of limp mode. The 13 pin connector is more common of an issue than the valvebody in the transmission so that may be a problem too.
When you get back I can try to help you find a scan tool that will work with it if you want.
Good luck on the trip.