Originally Posted by
mangusta1969
My low mileage 2005 Crossfire Convertible just decided to mistreat me. Last time I drove it, all was well until I parked it and tried to shift the automatic transmission into Park, it would only let me move the shift lever into Neutral or back into Drive. It would not move let me move the lever into Reverse or Park. The dash indicator correctly showed the transmission as being in the Drive or Park positions; the car is drivable (forward direction only); the brake lights and backup lights work correctly, too, so I don't think this is a computer or pedal sensor problem. Of course, the only key I have for the car is now stuck in the ignition, since the car "knows" it is in either the Drive or Neutral mode and is not in the Park mode. Has anyone ever experienced and corrected this problem? My problem is different from the typical stuck or sticky ignition key issue; I have searched both Crossfire and Mercedes SLK forums for this, but have come up empty-handed. Please help if you have any experience with this problem or ideas on corrective actions to take. My local Chrysler dealer knows almost nothing about Crossfires, but I do have a very experienced Mercedes mechanic in Reno, Nevada who may be of help next week. I'll report back to the forum any corrections that he or I may be able come up with.
Is it possible you have the access port manual override on the shifter either pushed in or damaged? There is a little small 'hatch' on the black portion of the shifter (rearward of drive position If memory serves me), I do not know if activating that override (when you cannot get it out of park to move it), would either prevent it from allowing it to return back to it's normal position or be stuck thereby not allowing the shifter to return to park. Might be worth a look to see if activating it (pushing it and quickly releasing it) solves at least the ability to return to park position. That's about all I have right now, good luck.
.