Shifter Locked, No Shift, No Brake Lights
This subject comes up occasionally. This thread is an attempt to consolidate some of the information.
As always, clicking on the blue arrow icon within any quote box will take you to the original post/thread.
Some information about my 2004 ABS fuse locations is here.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24683
Added:
Some other possible issues that will trigger the Trio Lights.
Replacing a wonky OEM brake switch cured the problem. (5 volt contact spring leaf broken free.)
Problems traced to rear tail light assembly.
"Weak" brakes traced to a wonky Master Cylinder. The intermittent triggering of Trio Lights may have been related to brake system pressures being off.
Post #14 & 15.
vic
This subject comes up occasionally. This thread is an attempt to consolidate some of the information.
ABS ESP Traction Lights On Brake Light Fuse (#5?) Blown Shift Locked
20150324, 20151130, 20160928 edit: As of today what some may consider a temporary repair with inserting the insulation material in the light assembly is still going strong. I'm thinking that the repair is quite permanent for me.
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Yesterday my ABS, ESP and Traction (tire slipping symbol) lights came on. The van seemed fine except for the array of annoying lights on the dash. One caution I would give is that if those lights do come on you need to verify whether your brake lights are still working. Mine weren't and I didn't know ( or remember?) I needed to check the brake light operation. Therefore I didn't check the fuse immediately as I should have. (Fuse #5 under the steering column in my 2004 by the way.) Your cruise control will also not function. This is a Cheap Trick because I don't believe it is necessary to replace the tail light assembly to cure this particular shorting problem.
20100715 edit: I forgot to add that if the lights above come on the shifter will lock in Park. You will need to carefully use a small screwdriver or pencil pushed down through the little cover door below the "D" on the shifter to manually release the shift lever for Reverse-Neutral-Drive. Once the shifter is returned to Park it will need to be released manually again.
Revelation:
Your ignition key works perfectly to release the shift lock.
My method.
Use the ignition key to release the shift lever. Shift to neutral. Start the van and drive.
Revelations cease here.
...
Check that your brake lights work. If not, first check the fuse #5.
Another possibility. Was the van towed? If yes, did they lock the steering wheel by pulling up on the brake pedal. If yes, the brake switch may need to be re-adjusted.
If the brake lights are ok, then you can use a a pencil to push a release at the base of the shifter.
vic
If I use the pencil to get it in gear, will it run normal or in limp mode?
Under most circumstances it will run normally. You will likely not have cruise control.
vic
The hint to check the ABS fuses under the driver seat is in this next post. Usually when the pencil release is used the transmission and engine will operate normally. Often in these request for help threads the symptoms/information comes out in a trickle.I had a similar issue awhile back, 3rd brake light was blown, and cruise didn't work, but otherwise did fine, but it. Shifted our of park like normal
That is a severe or top level form of LHM.It seems to be in limp mode, won't go out of 2nd gear
Doktor A is great.I called Dr A, he helped me figure out it was the ABS fuse.
What a helpful guy!
Back on the road again......
As always, clicking on the blue arrow icon within any quote box will take you to the original post/thread.
Some information about my 2004 ABS fuse locations is here.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24683
Added:
Some other possible issues that will trigger the Trio Lights.
Replacing a wonky OEM brake switch cured the problem. (5 volt contact spring leaf broken free.)
Steel Brake Line General Info
They will probably outlast the Sprinter or you. :wink: I have a double flare tool in my shop, I would think once you tighten it up, it would not matter what tool you use. But you sound like you are good with steelies. I changed mine on a 2005 Sprinter before this thread was posted, so I did not...
sprinter-source.com
Problems traced to rear tail light assembly.
Older Sprinters for RV Conversion?
After finding a leaking brake line the day before starting back from vacation, I was thinking about the reality of traveling using an older Sprinter. The T1N's are fairly basic and will pretty much allow a DIY maintenance program. Even with decent maintenance an older Sprinter can develop...
sprinter-source.com
"Weak" brakes traced to a wonky Master Cylinder. The intermittent triggering of Trio Lights may have been related to brake system pressures being off.
Post #14 & 15.
Hi all,
Turns out it was the MC. The rubber seal on the MC worn and broken down. I’m guessing this assisted in the pedal softness / it couldn’t gauge brake fluid pressure. Getting this resolved today. Thanks for all the suggestions
Thanks for the follow-up.
Your dash light trio ESP, ABS, Spinning tire warnings may have been related to that failure. The brake pressure is monitored by a sensor.
Steel Brake Line General Info
They will probably outlast the Sprinter or you. :wink: I have a double flare tool in my shop, I would think once you tighten it up, it would not matter what tool you use. But you sound like you are good with steelies. I changed mine on a 2005 Sprinter before this thread was posted, so I did not...sprinter-source.com
vic
vic
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