sph17

The shifter gate (the black plastic peice that moves with the Automatic Transmission shifter to cover the mechanisum under the center consol) broke on my 97 C-280. I thought this would be covered under my StarMark Warranty, but they tell me it is "cosmentic", and not covered.

They tell me the part is $19 but that labor is 2.5 hours, making this cosmetic repair a $300 job. Has anyone replaced this piece on this car, is it complicated to take the center consol wood out to get underneith and replace the shifter gate?

I have a W-123 that I had to get under the center console to replace the turn signal/hazzard flasher relay, and that certainly wasn't a 2.5 hour job.

Can anyone give me removal-replacement instructions?

Thanks,

Steve

scorchie

Steve, it might take a few hours if you do it yourself... but it's not that hard. I don't have any easy-to-post instructions but do have the tip that it's pretty easy to get the wood off the console (pull it up), disconnect the wiring and move the wood out of the way. Then you can unbolt the shifter and disconnect anything from it (this varies by year of the car). With the whole shifter out (might not be necessary though) you can dismantle it to replace the part.

Good luck!

-s-

sph17

When I get my car back I will see if I can figure it out, otherwise I will live with it.

Thanks again.

Steve