300SDL Neutral Sensor Switch - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Peter4 · #1 03-08-2017, 12:50 PM

For some time my SDL has only started in neutral, not park. Apparently the neutral sensor switch needs to be replaced. Does this one sensor control starting both in neutral and park? In other words, is there only one sensor that needs to be replaced?

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Diseasel300 · #2 03-08-2017, 12:53 PM

Yes there is only the one switch.

You might want to look into shifter bushings before tearing into the switch. They commonly fail or are missing entirely and can cause this issue. If you hear a click when changing into a different gear or feel any slop in your shifter lever, this can easily be your issue.

Diesel911 · #3 03-08-2017, 05:41 PM

Having the issue on my W123. Shifter feels loose and it only starts in neutral. Have not done anything yet other then look at prices for the parts.

On a W123 the transmission is in a tunnel. There is not much room to deal change the neutral safety switch which means more work to take apart what is needed to lower and or move the trans around so you can get at it.

The shifter bushing are not so difficult to get at so I think it is better to start there first. If fixing them cures the problem I have saved a lot of work.

If the linage bushings are shot I think there is still that lack of room to deal with but have not tried it yet.

On a W123 Gasser
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w123-e-ce-d-cd-td/1417360-diy-console-shifter-bushing-replacement.html

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W123/117-INTERIOR-Shifter_Bushings_Replacement/117-INTERIOR-Shifter_Bushings_Replacement.htm
.

Diseasel300 · #4 03-08-2017, 06:58 PM

The 126 isn't exactly a cakewalk to service either. The rear bushing had room to service, but the front one, no way. I took the shift lever off the transmission and installed that one outside the vehicle using a bolt, a couple washers, and a socket to install the new bushings. Much nicer feeling shifter and no more messing around to start, especially when parked on an incline.

86-300sdl · #5 03-09-2017, 10:10 AM

Same story here in the past x2. When my sdl begins to want to be in neutral to start I know its time for a bushing refresh. There really should not be any shifter slop. Once refreshed you'll see. Mercedes Source (maybe Peach Parts too) has a modified needle nose plier tool made specifically for the job. Worth the twenty or so bucks.

Diseasel300 · #6 03-09-2017, 11:42 AM

It is important to note that there are 2 sets of shifter bushings. 1 in the shifter housing (inside the vehicle) and another set of 2 pieces under the car on the main shifting rod. It is the ones under the car that typically fail. You'll need 2 pieces and about 10 minutes to install them.

Diesel911 · #7 03-09-2017, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

The 126 isn't exactly a cakewalk to service either. The rear bushing had room to service, but the front one, no way. I took the shift lever off the transmission and installed that one outside the vehicle using a bolt, a couple washers, and a socket to install the new bushings. Much nicer feeling shifter and no more messing around to start, especially when parked on an incline.

I just did that about 1 hour ago.

As it turned out the Bushing on the lever is still good. Looks like someone else replace it because someone took a knife and trimmed the edge of one side of the bushing so it could be evidently push through by hand.

Diesel911 · #8 03-09-2017, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diseasel300

It is important to note that there are 2 sets of shifter bushings. 1 in the shifter housing (inside the vehicle) and another set of 2 pieces under the car on the main shifting rod. It is the ones under the car that typically fail. You'll need 2 pieces and about 10 minutes to install them.

That is what I did.