First of all, I think you married the right woman.

Second, if you do end up needing a guy in Nebraska, I would recommend Ed Cordell's European Auto in Elkhorn, NE (just outside of Omaha)

Finally, the transmission shifting in the 240D is controlled by vacuum only (no cable of any kind). The vacuum line going to the tranny is connected to the vacuum switch of sorts on top of the valve cover. That switch is prone to leaking, or the line may be disconnected, find it and trace it from the tranny to the vacuum switch.

Reverse is another story, I hope someone else jumps in with their ideas about that...

__________________

'82 300D (project)
'46 Willys (project)
"Nothing seems to be the way it should in this garage." -jt20
"Smarter than an engine, dumber than a hoodlatch..." -jt20
"Start jumping up and down to smoosh down those engine mounts" -DeliveryValve
"no" -kerry
"At this rate, you may have it done by winter" -layback40