Automatic shifter indicator alignment, not correctly aligned
 

I recently replaced the shifter and the zebrano wood console. (They look fantastic!!!) But now, when the car is in neutral, it is roughly aligned with the R (reverse). I had to do a few things to get the new shifter on and I obviously messed with the alignment. Is there a good write up on how to align it correctly?



http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...alignment1.jpg

The wood trim doesn't have anything to do with the shifter alignment. I would def look into fixing the shift linkage bushings. The issue probably just came up after you changed the wood shifter. The bushings are inexpensive but pesky.

Very nice finish on the zebrano! What stain color did you go with?

Check your shifter bushings. If they are in good shape, the linkage is adjustable. If it is showing R on the shifter while in neutral, I'd say the linkage needs to be shortened just a bit. The rod (at least on mine) that goes through the bushings under the car from the shifter to the transmission is adjustable.

Guys he's talking about the shifter knob, not the trim around it. With automatics you have to change the knob and the connector rod as a whole you can't just replace the knob.

It just sucks cuz those aftermarket shifters are NOT exactly the same orientation as the originals. I had this exact problem in the past. I couldn't even shift all the way to low gear.

To fix it you have to go under the car and adjust the linkage that connects the shifter to the transmission. Should just be a turn or two. It's pretty tight squeeze and anoying to get the bushing clips on and off but ya that will fix it.

Obviously, the wood trim doesn't have anything to do with the shifter alignment. But yeah, it was the changing of the knob that caused the misalignment. I probably just knocked something out of alignment. I was hoping there was a good write up with pictures of how to adjust the alignment. I have a feeling that the bushing are in good shape.

I got the wood trim from an ebay seller.... https://www.ebay.com/usr/woodandcarbonworks?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
I think he manufactures it himself. It's beautiful. 3 day shipping all the way from Turkey.

You didn't knock anything out of alignment the metal rod connected to it is at a more aggressive angle than the stock one. I'll find a pic of what you need to afjust.

https://images.app.goo.gl/gnXCHe12n3f5yJNw6

That link should take you to the picture of what you need to adjust under the car. The bolt on the threaded rod is what need adjustment

ou could also replace the bushings under there but it's a PITA

Thanks, I'll try to get to that sometime in the next week or two.

I'm trying to figure out how I knocked it out of alignment just by replacing this knob...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...ifter-knob.jpg

Which is for a 123. The offset is forward, the 126 offset is aft.
Is it possible that you turned the knob 180, or substituted a knob from a 126?

Frank, actually it will work reversed except the shifter will need a little persuasion sliding it left so as to seat completely in Park position. All other positions will work fine. No need to ask why I know this.

gregp1962, The rubber surrounding the shift indicator housing should be pushed down on the edge contacting the housing. This will look give it a more finished, rolled look.

I thought just the knob at the top unscrews from the factory metal rod. Did your new shift knob include the rod? If so, insure it has the same angles. If not, you might be dealing with slop in the nylon bushings in the underside linkage. They can be replaced, but hard to get in the narrow space even with the proper bushing pliers which I bought. I recall there is a screw adjustment on the underside linkage, so might be able to adjust that to put the shifter in the right place in the plastic detents. Have lots of hand cleaner for that grub zone.

I sold the old shifter so I can't get a better look at it. Are you all saying that they have bend or dogleg in them that alters the relation to the letters on the shifter indicator? Does anyone have a picture of a stock shifter outside of the car?

Yes, the shift rod has a subtle bend that is not noticeable unless it is completely removed from the shift assembly. From your photo, the new one appears to have the bend as well, but it's hard to tell from a photo. Just set it as per Frank's comment. It will work if it's made correctly (genuine MBZ). If it's aftermarket, it may or may not work right.