shift linkage

[1989*190e]

hi i have a 1989 mercedes 190e and it will not go into over drive. i know that i have to reset the shift linkage to the correct spot because it is loose. my question is how do i do that? i had it up on a stand and i went under the car but i cant get to the linkage there is no space for me to put my fingers in there to tighten it. is there another way i can get to it without having to move the transmition?

[MattBelliveau]

Before you go messing with the shift linkage, try unplugging the kickdown switch under the gas pedal. If it works after that, that's your problem. Quite common.

[Gilly]

Another common problem is worn out bushings on the linkage. A pain to install but the parts are cheap!

[1989*190e]

under the hood or inside the car? and will that make my car go into overdrive?...... thank you for responding also i really appriciate it

[babymog]

Is your car an automatic transmission? There IS NO OVERDRIVE!

[1989*190e]

yes it is automatic... but if my car does not have overdrive then why does it rev at 50 mph at 3200 rpms??????????????????

[babymog]

Because it's in 3rd gear, it's a 4speed automatic, no overdrive automatic transmission was offered.

[1989*190e]

yeah 4 speed drive low 2 low 3 and OVER DRIVE

[tjts1]

4th gear is not an over drive. Just 4th gear, 1:1 ratio.

[Gilly]

So it's just not being shifted into 4th, you are in 3rd manual, so try getting the lever a bit more forward for now, but yeah probably needs bushings, unless the adjustment is off a bit, which is possible, but usually the adjustment doesn't get screwed with much.
Gilly