Mercedes Viano Gear Selector Issue

That sounds familiar. I drive a Vito, and experienced similar symptoms a while ago. Did the shifting behavior commence gradually, or did it manifest abruptly? Have you explored the possibility of a software glitch before presuming a defective control unit? Verify the integrity of the electronic display connections, as a loose wire can mimic a far more grave malfunction.

Thanks for the quick reply! It was more of a gradual thing. The shifting got progressively worse over a couple of weeks. I did check the obvious stuff, like fuses and connectors, but I didn't think about a software glitch. Is there a way to check that myself, or am I looking at a trip to the workshop? I don't possess advanced diagnostic gear.

Given the gradual onset and your limitations regarding diagnostic equipment, it appears increasingly probable that the control unit is the primary source of the anomaly. Attempting a self-diagnosis without the requisite tools and expertise may inadvertently exacerbate the existing complications. I would strongly advocate seeking professional assessment and intervention at a reputable automotive workshop equipped with Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems. While it is difficult to assert a definitive diagnosis from afar, the convergence of symptoms you describe strongly suggests a hardware malfunction within the gear selector module.

Appreciate the insight. Sounds like I need to get it to a shop. I was hoping it was something simple. Thanks again for confirming my suspicions. I dropped it off this morning, and they've confirmed it's the gear selector. Quoted me pretty much exactly what I expected. Parts are on order.