Can not shift into "R"

[ScottyG7]

This just started happening a couple weeks ago. For some reason about 50% of the time when I try to shift into reverse, the car just goes into nothing. The electronic read out on the screen just shows blank. I can then shift back into N or D or park, but then I still can't shift into R. Most of the time the only solution is to turn the car off and take the key out. Anyone know about this, or have any suggestions?

[LEDZPLN]

This has happened to me a couple times, too. It happens so randomly that I doubt I would be able to "duplicate the concern" when I go to the dealer.

[smartHHO]

Originally Posted by LEDZPLN

This has happened to me a couple times, too. It happens so randomly that I doubt I would be able to "duplicate the concern" when I go to the dealer.

Sounds like a bug in the software. I would take it in. It is still under warranty and they should be able to do something.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by ScottyG7

This just started happening a couple weeks ago. For some reason about 50% of the time when I try to shift into reverse, the car just goes into nothing. The electronic read out on the screen just shows blank. I can then shift back into N or D or park, but then I still can't shift into R. Most of the time the only solution is to turn the car off and take the key out. Anyone know about this, or have any suggestions?

Have you tried "teaching-in" the transmission (Owners Manual, pg 135):

In case of a minor transmission malfunction, it might be possible to teach-in the transmission in order to restore the normal transmission mode.
i If the attempt to teach-in the transmission fails, you cannot continue to drive. Therefore we strongly recommend that you have the transmission taught in at a qualified workshop or at an authorized smart center.
Teaching in the transmission system:
> Stop the vehicle in a safe location.
> Move the gear selector lever to park position P.
> Turn off the engine.
> Wait at least 30 seconds before restarting
> Press the brake pedal.
> Restart the engine
• Three bars instead of  appear in the multifunction display(_ page 236).
> Wait at least 30 seconds.
• The transmission is taught in.
When teaching in was successful:
• appears in the multifunction display (_ page 136) again.
•Normal transmission operating is restored.
> Continue to drive.
After an unsuccessful teach-in
• Three bars instead of  appear in the multifunction display.
> Do not continue to drive.
> Turn off the engine.
> Set the parking brake when leaving the vehicle.
> Contact Roadside Assistance or an authorized smart center

[ScottyG7]

Turns out it was a faulty transmission, brought the car in and they had to replace the transmission

[jwight]

Thanks for the follow up.

[chieftmc]

Yes, thanks Scotty

We'll have to keep this one in the "back" of our mind; in MY case, I'll put it on my list in my computer

[Gilbert's]

it is a recall of MBZ grease on th spline at the tranny you need to bring it back to the dealer for replacing the grease....This is a warranty issue.

[jwight]

If it's a recall it's not shown on the NHTSA site as one, and this is (I think) the first time the grease issue has been mentioned. Maybe a service bulletin (?) but that hasn't been mentioned either.

[John_H]

The grease in the update 2.0 is the inability to depress the button to enter reverse from park. The problem in the original post I interpreted as the ability to move the gear shift but for the transmission to not comply by going into reverse.

Different issues.