problems shifting into reverse - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ray m · #1 03-12-2007, 07:47 AM

Today all of a sudden the shifter on my 1980 300d automatic didn't want to shift into reverse or park. I had to move the shifter back and forth and firmly wiggle it to get it into reverse. It seemed like something was stopping it. The linkage all looks fine.Could it just be getting stiff and need some WD40. Or is it an indication of problems to come. Is it time to change it out with my parts car shifter. In 35 yrs I've never had this happen so any help would be appreciated.
Thanks RAY M

jshadows · #2 03-12-2007, 09:19 AM

could be the shifter bushings or the linkage adjustment. The linkage simply actuates a control piston on the valve body and via mechanical linkage the parking pawl (which is like a claw that grabs on to a gear on the back of the rear cover of the tranny). If the pawl is not being release and/or the piston is not being moved properly by the linkage then nothing will happen. No engagement, or engagement but parking pawl is stuck.

There should be some adjustment screws on the linkage as well to try and play around with this. Also consider replacing bushings (search...there's some very recent posts on this DIY job)

As long as playing with it gets it into gear eventually, you're in good shape. If it stops going into gear no matter what you do is of greater concern (read : removing transmission).

ray m · #3 03-12-2007, 08:24 PM

I removed a shifter from a parts car. When I went to remove the troubled one I found it was falling apart and the spring was all out of wack. Just old I guess. I then came in and told my wife it was the shifter (and kidding),I told her it was also a transmission "fly wheel" and some "rods" and that it would cost $700.00. She frowned then i told the truth. Then she flipped me the finger. We do that in all affection to each other. I'm glad I'm capable enough to do repairs on my car. RAY M

ray m · #4 03-12-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jshadows

could be the shifter bushings or the linkage adjustment. The linkage simply actuates a control piston on the valve body and via mechanical linkage the parking pawl (which is like a claw that grabs on to a gear on the back of the rear cover of the tranny). If the pawl is not being release and/or the piston is not being moved properly by the linkage then nothing will happen. No engagement, or engagement but parking pawl is stuck.

There should be some adjustment screws on the linkage as well to try and play around with this. Also consider replacing bushings (search...there's some very recent posts on this DIY job)

As long as playing with it gets it into gear eventually, you're in good shape. If it stops going into gear no matter what you do is of greater concern (read : removing transmission).

Thanks jshadows I'm so happy it wasn't what you thought. and appreciate the the information. I did not know that. It can be hell changeing the bushings. That was done last month and the lack of one when i got it from my son could have been the reason it went bad. RAY M