Column shifter, PRND indicator cluster busted? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jub · #1 06-09-2016, 08:38 AM

Hi everyone,

Anyone know how to fix/trouble shoot column shifter PRND indicator in instrument cluster not moving?

Thing doesn't move when I put car into gear. Is this a common problem, are there any diagrams or links about how to fix?

FYI: 1972 MB 250 W114

Thanks in advance,

Jub

TX76513 · #2 06-09-2016, 09:19 AM

Investigate if something fell down into it. I found a long lost pen once in there.

Shortsguy1 · #3 06-09-2016, 12:16 PM

The indicator cable hooks onto a hook about half way down the steering column. You should see it if you get down and look at the steering column from below. I think it is on the right hand side.

If that is attached correctly but it still doesn't work, then your cable is likely broken/fraying. I can help you out if that is the problem, but it requires taking the instrument cluster out. I have first hand experience with only 3 instrument panels in a w114/w115, and all three had a cable that was broken or breaking. The fix is a little fiddly, but doable.

Let me know if you need those additional instructions.

Idle · #4 06-09-2016, 07:52 PM

The gear indicator is an assembly and several things can go wrong. The most common wear point is the attachment loop at the end of the cable. It is not really a loop; it is a metal tang that fits into a part of the shifter lever. When you move the lever it pulls on the tang, which pulls on the cable, which pulls on a set of springs and pulllys inside the indicator assembly.

When you look at one, and you can on Ebay since there are always a few for sale there, you can see how this thing is put together.

I would say to replace it, or to even troubleshoot it, you would need to remove the instrument cluster since it is built into it. But the first thing to do would be to crawl under the dash area, remove any panel that is there, and see, or feel, if the cable is still attached to the shifter rod.

The cable, though small, is quite strong so you will not break it like a violin string. But the tang might just be worn clean through from so many years of use.

And if there is a repair for this, beyond replacing the assembly, I don't know what it would be. I am not saying such a repair is not possible. I am just saying I don't know how you could do it and still maintain the correct adjustment of the assembly.

Idle · #5 06-09-2016, 07:56 PM

Search for part number 109 270 00 52. A few views of this should show you what is involved and want is meant by the terms cable and tang.

Shortsguy1 · #6 06-10-2016, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idle

And if there is a repair for this, beyond replacing the assembly, I don't know what it would be. I am not saying such a repair is not possible. I am just saying I don't know how you could do it and still maintain the correct adjustment of the assembly.

Through a bit of trial and error, I was able to replace the cable with brand new, similarly sized cable. I re-used all the other bits that are attached to the cable, with one exception. I could not remove the short rod from the cable which actually pokes into the back of the indicator. So I ended up buying new brass rod and figuring out how to attach it to the new cable in the correct location. The lengths aren't too crucial because there is a spring at one end to take up any slack, and the other end has a threaded adjuster which you can use to fine tune it all. So if the cable is broken inside the indicator, it is possible to fix it for a few dollars.

Jub · #7 06-10-2016, 10:05 AM

Thanks,

Gonna be pulling cluster monday (take some pics). I did pull cluster few weeks back to bypass rheostat/change bulbs, and I noticed a cable all the way on left side (sitting in driver seat), that was just hanging loose.

I'll go back in and take a look.

Thanks again,

Jub

Jub · #8 06-10-2016, 10:07 AM

Wow, $320 for a new gear shift indicator on ebay (yikes)

Mullins61 · #9 12-27-2021, 06:49 AM

Hi
When you installed the indicator does the cable fit down the back of the column in a special way to ensure you get tension to have correct gear indicated

cth350 · #10 12-28-2021, 12:53 PM

IIRC, park is the "no tension" position and as you shift, the string is pulled more and more to go through the gears. -CTH