Transmission problem, no park, no drive and no reverse W124 diesel wagon,

[quattro]

Everything was fine, no warning, no noises.
My wife reversed out of a parking spot, went for D, and nothing.
After that no P no R no D. If you put it in Park, it will still roll back.
No stange noises, sounds like the tranny is working, but driveshaft not turning. Thought it might be the flex disc, but I suspect that would make ton of noise and at least some waning.
BTW tranny fluid level is perfect, no burning smell and it's a low mile car.

Thanks for any tips you might have.

[TMAllison]

Is the shifter still connected to the linkage?

[mobetta]

Originally Posted by TMAllison

Is the shifter still connected to the linkage?

X2- get under it and verify the linkages are operating- when the shifter moves, it should move the arm on the tranny.

[quattro]

Sorry for stupid question, but where do I look for the shift lever/assembly on the tranny?
Is it on top, left side, right side? Anyone has a diagram how it looks/functions and how do I adjust it in case it needs it.

Thank you!!

[babymog]

If the shifter moves through obvious detents (tactile), it is connected to the transmission. It sounds lke the linkage came loose, you should be able to feel a difference, like the lever isn't doing anything anymore.

[quattro]

Hmmm... lever actually feels exactly the same as before i.e. it moves with the usual resistance, just no action from transmission.
What is scary is that there is no noises, just feels like it's in Neutral, and there was no warning i.e. no slipping gears, no clunking, no mechanical noises.

[TMAllison]

Linkage is on drivers side, and top, of trans. Look at linkage while someone stands on brake and shifts shifter. Engine off.

[quattro]

So I got the bloody thing home last night and put it up on stands.
We do have Park, but no Drive and no Reverse.
No noises, no smelling fluid.
WOuld that suggest converter failure or somethign internal in the tranny?
Your wisdom would be greatly appriciated.

I've never had to deal with autoboxes myself (manual guy) so I feel like fish out of water. Almost wish I could swap in a 5 speed and be done, especially that my wife also prefers manual trannies. Anyhoo, that's neither here or there.

Thanks in advance

[DieselClack]

You did measure the fluid level with the engine running and idling in neutral, right? It won't go into any gear unless it has the proper amount of hydraulic oil in it.

[Jetmugg]

If the auto tranny is shot, do the manual swap. Most of the required parts are pretty common between the W201's and the W124's.

SteveM.

[quattro]

Originally Posted by Jetmugg

If the auto tranny is shot, do the manual swap. Most of the required parts are pretty common between the W201's and the W124's.

SteveM.

Where can I find a "kit" with all the parts necessary?
Pedal assembly, all the brackets, tranny, flywheel, clutch, driveshaft if needed etc. etc.?

[Jetmugg]

I believe that Potomac Motors will sell you a "kit" of parts, but you will have to pay.

I have pulled my own "kits" from 2 different junkyard cars in the past. In one case, I got the tranny, flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, shifter, rods, slave and master cyls, driveshaft, crossmember, pedal cluster, and every nut and bolt for $250. It was a hot and greasy afternoon, but I got everything I needed.

If you don't get "everything" you will end up nickel-and-diming yourself to death at the dealership.

SteveM.

[quattro]

Looks like you have done quite a few of these... is any W201/W124 tranny a bolt onto the 603?
Are the flywheel to crank connections the same as well, I know my Audi's like the back of my hand, but fairly new at this MB thing.

Thanks

[Jetmugg]

Yes, any W201/W124 trans will work with the 603. Gasser or diesel, it doesn't matter. Yes, the flywheel to crank bolt pattern is the same, and all of the cranks are pre-drilled for the input shaft pilot bearing. There are 10 bolts that hold the tranny to the engine. Some of them are pretty tough to get to with the tranny in the car, you need a couple of long extensions and a u-joint for your socket set.

The tranny crossmembers are different for the automatics and manuals. It's best to get the correct crossmember, but the automatic crossmember can be modified to work with the manual trans.

Shifters, pedal clusters are a 100% bolt in affair. The holes are already there for the hydraulic line between the master and slave cyls. You would need the brake pedal switch from a manual trans car. The switch is different between manual and automatic. The nuetral safety switch wires attach to the clutch pedal switch. (you don't have to use it if you don't want to). The back-up light wiring from the automatic trans hooks directly up to the shifter on the manual trans.

If you do it once, you will know the MB system like the back of your hand also.

SteveM.

[quattro]

Thank you very much, Audi are very good at making things bolt in between cars. Looks like MB are in the same boat, makes our lives easier.