Thanks, yes I made a mistake thinking the TC was accessible with the pan removed..My bad.
~ Checked the footwell for the wicking and found none.
~ So, I am thinking about the charging system indicator which is lit on the dash, and it occurred to me that when the car lot guy went to connect the JUMPER BOX to the battery, (Right after saying that he had been doing this for thirty years...)..connected the terminal posts to his jumper box incorrectly. Oh yea, it sparked alright but I didn't laugh...then the other issues with releasing the shifter to neutral to start the car came into play before he started the engine so I could hear it run.
It started and ran..sounded fairly smooth.
~ With the indicator lit on the dash, but, the Valeo is putting out 14v. and in five minutes was hotter than a two-dollar pistol (RIP George Jones)..you couldnt touch it.. I have been possibly smelling the windings heating up in the alternator and NOT tranny fluid.
~ Ordered the pan gasket and filter and connector....that car needed it anyway....and more.

 

~ Alternator is toast, gotta wait for that to come in.
~ Called the "stealership" that I deal with and had them look up the service history on this car...said it hadn't been in their shop...so I contacted the next one in the town below, where the car lived for a while. They told me that they had not seen the car for 2 years and that transmission service had been done to it in 2017. I asked the details of the service and it was a drain and filter and go. Manager said it was in for an oil leak, not a transmission problem, but that vibration of the drive train had caused an exhaust leak that they fixed and engine motor mounts as well....made me suspicious. I asked if the transmission cable connector was replaced and he said no...they sent it back out leaking.. wow!
~ He said something about brake fault codes that they had to clear....hmmm...BAS-ESP light? I saw that light when I cranked it a couple of times, other times, it did not illuminate.
~ As I read about the 722.6, I read that when a clutch slips it can cause shuddering of the transmission unit....which might explain the issues the previous owner had.
~ I'll know more about the stuk in park issue when the alternator is replaced delivering proper voltage and the fluid level is proper , filter, and connector are replaced.

 

~ Used the fluid extractor and got 4.5L out...that math doesn't work if there are still 3qt. left in the TC.
~ Dropped the aluminum frame-loom holding the O2 sensor cables
~ Removed screw holding the cover for the TCU cable. Rotated plastic collar to release the cable.
~ Used 7 (or 6)mm to loosen the center bolt on the cable adaplor and removed the adaptor.(spotted..(saw, looked at, observed..for the foreigners..) the red "O" ring).
~ Used electronic cleaner to dissipate the T-fluid and dried the parts.
~ Observed 2 "O"rings before re-installation, as well as the orientation of the pin slots. Tightened the center retaining bolt without overtightening, while pushing to seat the new O-rings.
~ PROBLEM ROTATING PLASTIC COLLAR INTO LOCKING POSITION. After inserting the cable and attempting to rotate the collar from an 8:00 o'clock position (fully released) to the 12:00 o'clock position (locked), I saw the cable plug pulling in as I rotated the collar, but she stopped turning at approx. 11:00, and I didn't feel it click.
~ Observed on the bottom of the transmission casing, just towards the rear of the two rectangular plastic covers, what appeared to be a threaded hole about an inch in diameter, leading to nowhere.?? It looked to be a place for a plug of some sort, but had none and was grimy. Any ideas?
~ New alternator on the way. Can't do much till it gets here...Guess I'll get back on the Vega GT....guages circuit blowing fuse with dash harness disconnected...

 

Had same issue with my car, just kept fiddling and it finally worked.

 

~ Got the Autel to try to clear the code...Software update download for the device to obtain MB slk320 specific code, has a requirement to create an online account..a Chinese company wanting all kinds of personal info...I am hesitant. I ordered the DIY (850?) model that I had read about in a different thread about the "stuck in park" issue, I received a unit DiagLink EPB/OLS+CAN OBDII...The similarities to the HarborFreight Cen-Tech tool 60694 OBDII/EOBD tool that I already have is obvious right down to the embroidered , zippered case. The update file extension for the HF tool had an (.aut) extension like the Autel file extensions have. Spoof account I guess, unless I find I can clear the code with the HF tool and return the Autel unit.

 

Thank you for that information. I too am very careful about what, where and who gets personal info. I also am reading each of your post in this thread; gleaning knowledge along the way.

 

I thought I would post the Benz codes I am getting with the Autel, while this "stuck in park" issue was going on till I get her figured out. after I.....
~Connected the battery today to start and check codes on the transmission unit. It is raining, so I cannot get under it to snap the ring connector into its lock position yet, but I do plan on it before I condemn the conductor plate. First start attempt-nothing after initialization...turned.key off...Second try she started
~ P2300 - Buss off fault-CAN communications with other installed units is not possible-
~ Event P2310-message from control unit N47message not available on CAN buss (traction control module)...timeout
~ Event P2311- messages from engine control unit not on CAN buss...timeout
~ Event P2316- Messages from control unit N1 9 (Air conditioning control module) not on CAN buss...timeout
~ Event P2312- Messages from engine control unit not on CAN buss...timeout
~ Event P2313- Stored and Current -Messages from control unit N1 5/5 (Electronic Selector lever module control unit) not available on CAN buss..timeout
~ Event P2316- Messages from control unit A1 (instrument cluister) not available on CAN buss..timeout
~ Some of the 255 faults were interesting...Kilometer reading- undefined, temp. of transmission oil - 80/80, Selector Lever Position - Not Available, Target Gear - Unplausible/Implausible (huh?), Actual ......Gear -Implausible, Turbine Speed - 0/0
~ Trouble Code of OBD scan - P0705 - Transmission Range Sensor A circuit - (PRNDL input)

 

~ Since I am crossposting it seems, I might as well conclude this thread ....UPDATE ! ACHTUNG !
~ Replaced the shift selector module which when reassembled and the circuitry energised with the key, the display immediatly showed a "P" which was a good sign. It cranked on the first try. Buttoned her up and the engine was running smoother and the stationary shifting from N to R, and D..resulted in much less harsh shifting (something about the torque converter I read). Drove it down the street and back , resulted in proper shifting through the gears. Drove it 7 miles to put in fresh fuel. Trip home displayed check engine about halfway home...code said o2 sensors.
~ Other than the small things like weak brakes, half the wing 3rd brake light out, original shocks, bad hood lift, waiting on a mirror switch, she drove and tracked fine. I will more than likely dispose of the car in the near future after fresh plugs and brakes. I'll post here first. No, she'z not for sale yet....Thanks to all for the input ideas during this scary limp mode ordeal to help me troubleshoot it . In the end, it wasn't all that scary....still could have been the conductor plate though...that was next to replace....peace out

 

The same thing happened to mine bought a used shifter assembly problem solved.