Where did I go wrong?!

[RJM1990]

Hi All,

Apologies for the click-bait title!

I have an Automatic 1985 MB 300CD. I've been doing a round of maintenance items over the past three weekends, including:

-New Brake lines/rotors/pads/master cylinder
-New rear CV Axles + Diff Mount
-New Transmission Mount
-New Flex Discs (front and rear)

Somewhere along the way, something went wrong. I finished everything up last night, started her up to take a spin, went to shift, and there was no resistance at all in the automatic shifter. It went freely from P to L with no resistance, and I could feel no engagement when I shifted.

When I was replacing the axles, I had to shift it into neutral while the engine was off once or twice. Other than that, I'm unsure where I went wrong.

I'm very much a novice, so if anybody could give me a few common places to start looking and researching I would be immensely grateful.

Thanks so much!!
-RJ

[gregp1962]

Hopefully someone can give you more specific advice! It sounds like your shifter is completely disconnected from the transmission.

[RJM1990]

Thanks, I just did a pretty rudimentary Google search, and I think you are correct.

If anybody has any particular advice with diagnosing a W123 shift cable issue (or can direct me to any relevant threads) I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks!

[engatwork]

No shift cable. You need to get under car and inspect the linkage between the shift lever mechanism and linkage on side of tranny to see whats going on.

[RJM1990]

Many thanks. Appreciate the quick responses. I'll do a bit more research and lift it back up again tomorrow to have a look (once my arm and back muscles recover from yesterday's work!)

[Sugar Bear]

My guess FWIW,...The linkage came undone at the transmission when maneuvering/lifting it to install the transmission mount.

I'm sensing new shifter bushings in your future!

[RJM1990]

Good call, I think you are right. I had not known about the whole shifter bushing deal until today, but the shifting has never been the tightest on that car, so it was probably due for a replacement anyway.

Looking forward to monkeying around with it a bit more tomorrow! ����