E-Class (W123) 1976-1986: 240D, 280E, 300D, 300TD, 300CD

1983 240D neutral safety switch replacement with lots of pics!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 01-13-2018, 08:07 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
WestSlowp240D's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
240D
1983 240D neutral safety switch replacement with lots of pics!

I haven't seen a newer how to on this for awhile, let alone one with pics. I just changed out a faulty neutral safety switch with a brand new one I got from PeachParts. Here is the process I followed:
Raise up the front end using a jack stand on the driver side frame, or use ramps.

Car up on jack stand.


Use a small flat head screw driver to pry plug loose. Work it off very gently, going back and forth from bottom to top.


After the plug is off, spray with electric parts cleaner and use a nylon brush to clean out all the female contacts.


Use a 10mm wrench and socket to loosen and remove the nut and screw that holds the shift linkage on. It's kind of a pain to get the socket on.


Use a flat head screwdriver and a wrench to pry and wiggle the linkage off. The linkage must be completely removed for the switch to come off. Be careful not to bend the tabs on the linkage.


Use an 8mm wrench to remove the two screws that mount the switch to the transmission. A ratcheting wrench works best as it's pretty tight.


Use more electric parts cleaner and a brush to clean where the switch was. Wipe it all with a rag or shop towel.


The old switch compared to the new one.


The hardware was pretty caked with crud so I used some carb cleaner and a wire brush to clean it up. This is before.


And after cleaning.


I used some thread locker to keep the hardware from backing out or shaking loose.


Now reinstall in reverse.


Make sure to use some dielectric grease on the plug contacts to keep the crud out.


Use a flat head or needle nose pliers to spin the plastic ring in the new switch to match up with the little tabs on the linkage. Push the linkage back on the shaft and reinstall the screw and nut. Don't over tighten! Push the greased plug back on, and viola' all done.
Lower the car and test to see if the new switch works.
Hope this helps y'all out. The illustrated how to's are few and far between, and YouTube comes up short.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: 1983 240D neutral safety switch replacement with lots of pics!



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:58 PM.