Replacing Neutral Safety Switch in W124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

VigiDude2 · #1 01-17-2004, 10:54 AM

Hello,

I need assistance in how to replace a Netral Safety Switch on a 1995 E320 Wagon.

The dealer wants $235 and Fast Lane (here) has the part for $50.

I have the W124 CD's, but cannot locate the Neutral Safety Switch. Going to Florida from Michigan in one month and it's presently 19 degrees so I need to get moving on this.

Thanks for any assistance provided.

Cap'n Carageous · #2 01-17-2004, 11:44 AM

First off, why do you think the switch is bad?

VigiDude2 · #3 01-17-2004, 11:46 AM

Well....I can only start the car if in Neutral and the dealer confirmed that it was the problem......can it be rebuilt, cleaned, or something other than replaced.

Do you know where i can find it in the CD's?

abe g · #4 01-17-2004, 11:51 AM

I have done this and it works, switch is usually on the drivers side on the transmission . Spray switch thouroughly with WD 40 (do this first before taking anything apart or ordering new switch) Contacts get dirty and corroded, this can do the job and is worth trying FIRST. good luck Abe G

VigiDude2 · #5 01-17-2004, 11:53 AM

WD40.....almost as good as Duct Tape

Any idea where to look. I was hoping that my CD's would give me a picture so that I'm not spraying everything under the car with WD40

stevebfl · #6 01-17-2004, 02:12 PM

Follow the shifter from the floor shift to the lever on the trans. The NS switch is under the lever on the trans.

VigiDude2 · #7 01-17-2004, 02:29 PM

Thanks for the "location" info......Steve, do you also agree with the WD40 solution or attempt at a solution.

Sounds good 'cause the wife just said that sometimes is starts and sometime sit does not.

Thanks to all

stevebfl · #8 01-17-2004, 03:16 PM

Can't hurt I don't suppose. Also be sure that the bushings at both levers are intact. If they aren't the lever might not make it all the way to park.

psfred · #9 01-17-2004, 09:56 PM

WD-40 isn't going to do much for a Benz safety switch -- all the ones I've seen are sealed well enough it would only get inside if the seals are already so bad water is going in.

Should be pretty easy -- pull tranny lever, unbolt switch (three screws or bolts), replace tranny lever and probably put a new plastic bushing in. Adjust siwtch and drive away. Only real difficulty I've ever had was that the top screw was a bear to get out -- replaced with a hex head rather than a screw slot type.

Peter

VigiDude2 · #10 01-18-2004, 09:19 AM

One more silly question: As you all may have noticed this is not my usuall thing...working on cars, but I love it when it goes well:p

The Neutral Safety Switch as everyone is pointing out is on the trans, but am I "under" the car, or in the car going through the gear shifter?

This is why I am searching my CD's so that I can have those nice step by steps, that most of you have in your head already..

Thanks again

stevebfl · #11 01-18-2004, 09:33 AM

The transmission is under the car. You can't get there from inside the car.

ejsharp · #12 01-18-2004, 04:42 PM

Pay particular attention to the advise given about the bushings being worn... that is what usually goes wrong and they are an inexpensive fix.

PS

They too are under the car.

VigiDude2 · #13 01-18-2004, 06:07 PM

Ok guys,

Thank you, but I do know that a tranny is under the car. I thought that it was possible for a small Safety Neutral Switch to be mounted below the gear shifter from the inside....this is why I asked the question......you myst be laughing you butts off thinking that I may have thought that the trans was in the car....

that's good

stevebfl · #14 01-18-2004, 06:20 PM

My second car was a 36 Ford 5 window coupe. Removed the trans through the inside of the car four times before I got it right when I was 16.

psfred · #15 01-18-2004, 06:22 PM

Many US made cars had the safety switch on the linkage inside, as does my Volvo 740. Not a foolish question at all! Can't fix it if you cannot find it.

Peter