No forward or reverse - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sunrays · #1 08-13-2014, 11:27 PM

Hey guys,

Parked my car in the garage today after returning from school and when I attempted to shift from D to P (auto) to turn the car off, the car continued forward when I released the brake pedal. I immediately reapplied the brake pedal and the car stopped.

Shortly there after, I attempter to start the car but no go. All the lights, radio, and accessories function as usual but no start and the selector lever has little to no resistance went I moved it from P,R,N,D,3,2.

Could this be related to a transmission modulation issue? Or a cable giving way? Any and all suggestions on diagnosing this dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

I'm no mechanic, but I'm stumbling along as I fix numerous issues with this '86 190D 2.5

TIA,
Raymond

Assault · #2 08-13-2014, 11:31 PM

Is the Transmission shifter attached to the transmission, there is a plastic part that holds the two together it may have broken. Should be on the left side of transmission in-front of the tail.

uberwasser · #3 08-13-2014, 11:33 PM

Since it won't start you seem to be stuck in D. This is reinforced by the fact that it wanted to move when not on the brakes when the engine was running.

Now that your engine is off and you're in D the neutral safety switch is preventing a start.

First bet would be something in your shift lever linkage came loose. You'll want to get under the car to inspect it.

sunrays · #4 08-14-2014, 09:09 PM

Guys,

The info you provided was spot on. The shift lever linkage (plastic part) separated. Reattached it and started the car with no issues.

All is good but only temporary. Need to purchase and replace the plastic part. Not sure what it's call. The original one has seen better days.

Thanks for the advice.

Regards,
Raymond

mannys9130 · #5 08-15-2014, 04:49 AM

2 things:

If you want to replace what is worn out, get 2 auto trans shifter bushings and 2 shifter linkage clips. The bushings fit VERY, VERY, VERY tightly. There is a special set of pliers made for installing these bushings. Speaking from BTDT experience, buy them, for the love of God buy them.

The other thing is, on the W201, the transmission selector lever is very hard to get at with the tranny in the car and bolted in place. You'll probably need to undo the motor mounts and the driveshaft and tip the engine up so the tranny points down. Then you'll have enough room to get at the tranny selector lever shifter bushing. The shifter knob bushing is easy to get compared to the tranny one. I did the shift knob bushing with everything in place in the car. You can remove the shifter assembly and install it on the bench if you'd like. If I had to do it again, I might do that. I used boiling water to soften the bushings and vaseline to lube them. I'd advise you to use Silicone greasr instead just to prevent chemical reactions from the vaseline.

uberwasser · #6 08-15-2014, 11:31 AM

Manny, where did you get the pliers for the shift bushings? I know Kent sells them, but was wondering if anyone else makes them.

mannys9130 · #7 08-15-2014, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberwasser

Manny, where did you get the pliers for the shift bushings? I know Kent sells them, but was wondering if anyone else makes them.

I also found them here. This place on Ebay sells a TON of special MB tools.

Mercedes Transmission Shifter Bushing Pliers Tool Ford C230 C280 E320 E430 ML320 | eBay

I actually don't own a pair of these, but if I was faced with this job again, first I'd cry and then I'd get the pliers. Since I have the 5 speed, I didn't need the pliers when I replaced all my shifter bushings with Delrin ones. The 5 speed linkage bushings are WAY easier to replace, even though there are many to deal with.

uberwasser · #8 08-15-2014, 11:21 PM

Nice, thanks. I have some to replace. I'll get the tool. I have enough of these now to make it worth it.