Shift gate Questions 87TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Aquaticedge · #1 03-09-2010, 01:05 AM

I have some questions in regards to my shift gate.. I know there's some lights that are supposed to be in the shift selector area, and there's some other burnt out bulbs in there I'd like to replace just so it's working again.. and now since we have another working vehicle I can take this one out of service for a little while and get every thing up and working again... So my questions are

1) how do I safely remove the Shift gate trim without buggering it up.
2) Can I replace the bushings in the shifter with the gate open as it tends to rattle like mad driving me mad.
3) are the bulbs in the shift gate the same tiny ones that also go in the instrument Cluster?
5) How easy is it to Find the wood etc that goes into the shift and button area? Mine is some what cracked and I would like to either repair or replace it.

(notice there was no number 4?)

Hit Man X · #2 03-09-2010, 01:36 AM

Should just slide forward once ash tray and other stuff is out

Shifter bushings are done under the car, without the proper tool you are in for a great time.

No, different bulbs. Shifter ones are like the ones that light up the accy switches such as rear defroster, antenna, air recirculation, headlight switch, etc

Easy to find if you have the money to spend.

Aquaticedge · #3 03-09-2010, 09:27 AM

I may have some here that work though... I'll have to check this other car sitting... so, I'll have to remove the other switch panel too? how would one go abouts doing that?

babymog · #4 03-09-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

1) how do I safely remove the Shift gate trim without buggering it up.
2) Can I replace the bushings in the shifter with the gate open as it tends to rattle like mad driving me mad.
3) are the bulbs in the shift gate the same tiny ones that also go in the instrument Cluster?
5) How easy is it to Find the wood etc that goes into the shift and button area? Mine is some what cracked and I would like to either repair or replace it.

The wood trim has one screw, under the carpet in the storage bin aft of the wood trim, pull the front edge of the carpet up and remove the screw.
Next lift the aft-end of the wood trim, carefully, it'll probably be stuck to years of spilled beverages. It has hooks under the ashtray assembly, swing the rear upward and slide it out from beneath the ashtray.

On an '87, IIRC, the shift-gate top is screwed down, should be obvious how to remove it. '90s shift gates are clipped down PITA.

The shift bushings aren't accessible from the top IIRC, you'd have to remove the shifter assembly, which IIRC means removing the console. They are typically serviced from below.

The bulbs are little "grain of wheat" push-in bulbs, same as the vent lights and shift-gate (PRNDL) bulb. Easy to buy from most import car dealers and parts suppliers.

The wood trim? Good luck. Some here have re-finished. The '86-'89 is different from the '90-'93 and again different from the '94-'95. If you have heated seats you'll need more than luck.

I've looked at many of these cars used, owned several more, and picked the bones of a dozen junked ones and the wood is almost always cracked. If it isn't bad, keep looking but count yourself as lucky.

Aquaticedge · #5 03-09-2010, 10:14 AM

nope, dont have the Tukus warmers

Thanks! I'll take a look at it... maybe a good time to replace my radio... I hate it.. always too friggin bright.

babymog · #6 03-09-2010, 12:40 PM

Don't need to touch the radio for this job, sorry.

Good time to clean out those sticky window switches though. I rinsed my daughter's with warm water, rinsed out her beverages and left the grease in the switch.