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  #1  
Old 09-18-2016, 02:52 PM
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Question Neutral Saftey Switch 85sd Cali

I have a 1985sd California that I need to replace the neutral switch. I haven't replaced before so PLEASE suggestions are welcome.

Also while under there I will do my linkage bushings and clips also replace shifter bushings as well.

I would appreciate your expertise and advice.

greazer2b

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Old 09-18-2016, 03:13 PM
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It's pretty simple - two bolts and a plug. You need to remove the actuator but that's a just a nut. It's different from the ones on the rest of the non-722.4 300Ds so make sure you get the right one.
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Old 09-18-2016, 03:34 PM
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After replacing the shifter bushings, you may not need to replace the NSS. Mine were completely missing and there were worn areas on the shaft ends that required JB Weld.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:19 PM
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Agree. Replace the bushings first. Very well may solve your problem.

Occam's razor.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mach4 View Post
It's pretty simple - two bolts and a plug. You need to remove the actuator but that's a just a nut. It's different from the ones on the rest of the non-722.4 300Ds so make sure you get the right one.
Thanks, I have a California switch, so it's just a matter of undoing the nut? I guess you mean the big ring looking nut and then unplug wiring.
I think I can do that

Appreciate the help
greazer2b
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:24 PM
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Don't do it yet.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tyl604 View Post
Agree. Replace the bushings first. Very well may solve your problem.

Occam's razor.
That's a good idea... but I already have the switch and other parts, so I would like to just get it done before Iiiii leaves me hanging in a Janurary day

I just wonderd about the procedure for switch.
Thanks for your help.
greazer2b
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:29 PM
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Don't do it yet.
Ooooo
greazer2b
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:36 PM
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My 81 300SD left me off and on for six months. Either it started up perfectly or it would do nothing. I would move the shifter back and forth over and over and it would finally start as if nothing was ever wrong. But I never got the knack of exactly where to leave the shifter. It was maddening. Sometimes took me 10-15 minutes; a few times I never got it to work. And being forced to take a reliable Land Rover in place of an unreliable Mercedes is a contradiction in terms. So I know the feeling.

I posted a thread about the NSS too and everyone said try the bushing first.

Took me nearly ten minutes to replace a single bushing, the one directly under the shifter, and I have not had a problem yet.

I understand it is a bit tricky installing a new NSS. Make sure you take a look at the orientation and I think they said be careful with the tabs. (I have never seen one so have no idea what it looks like.)

Good luck and let us know.
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Old 09-18-2016, 11:40 PM
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IIRC the NSS connector has a bayonet retainer. A quarter turn or not even releases the plug. The bell crank is held to the selector shaft with a nut and bolt that take an 8mm wrench. Remove the nut and bolt then pull the bell crank off the selector shaft. Mind the orientation of the NSS tab because the new one should go on with the tab in the same position. This would be the tab that engages the NSS. Remove the two NSS retaining bolts then fit the new NSS with the retaining bolts finger tight. Fit the bell crank and the connector. Set the shift lever to R, or move the bell crank to R if the shift rod isn't installed. Make sure you're not relying on the transmission being in park to hold the car in place while you're under it!! Turn the key to ON then have a second pair of eyes call out whether the reverse lights are on. Find the limits of having the reverse lights on then estimate the center. Tighten the NSS retaining bolts then button up. That's not the only way to do it but that's how I do it.

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Old 09-19-2016, 12:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sixto View Post
IIRC the NSS connector has a bayonet retainer. A quarter turn or not even releases the plug.
You're thinking about the NSS from a 722.3. The 722.4 uses a plug with a retainer.

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Old 09-19-2016, 12:10 AM
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I've never seen one of those. Looks easier to deal with when there's an inch of grime on it. I hope I described the rest of the process accurately.

Sixto
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