HELP! Shifter falls in-between gears - I have to HOLD shifter to stay in gears D/R/N
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 3
W220 S500 2003 4Matic & W140 1998 S600 V12
HELP! Shifter falls in-between gears - I have to HOLD shifter to stay in gears D/R/N
Hi to all, I need help please!
I had a medium strength accident to my 2001 w210 E430 that bend the front frame bar -> Which have been pulled back on a frame machine. it pushed the radiator on the mechanical fan of the engine and that pushed the engine back about an inch.
However, right after the accident AND still After the frame has been pulled , my shifter keeps falling in between gears Mechanically and does not stay in its designated place.
For example if left in Reverse it would slide physically to Neutral. For Drive I have to pull it back to its maximum position for it to go to drive. I have to hold the shifter for it to stay in gears D/R/N
Could I be looking at a bent Shift Rod, cable, bushing ?
Any Other culprits?
Thank you!
I had a medium strength accident to my 2001 w210 E430 that bend the front frame bar -> Which have been pulled back on a frame machine. it pushed the radiator on the mechanical fan of the engine and that pushed the engine back about an inch.
However, right after the accident AND still After the frame has been pulled , my shifter keeps falling in between gears Mechanically and does not stay in its designated place.
For example if left in Reverse it would slide physically to Neutral. For Drive I have to pull it back to its maximum position for it to go to drive. I have to hold the shifter for it to stay in gears D/R/N
Could I be looking at a bent Shift Rod, cable, bushing ?
Any Other culprits?
Thank you!
Last edited by michobebe; Dec 6, 2018 at 02:21 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 38
From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
Your subframe has shifted back I think. Measure it out and go from there. Otherwise there is an adjustment on shift linkage un the trans tunnel that you can adjust to shorten.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,969
Likes: 1,317
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
Check the linkage under the car.
With engine off, place the shift lever in the "Drive" position. Get under the car, loosen the adjustment lock on the shift rod (located and attached to the bottom of the shift lever). Now, go to the transmission and move the shift select lever on the side of the transmission all the way forward while sliding the shift rod through the adjustment lock as necessary. Tighten the adjustment lock #10 Torx screw to 9 ft-lbs.
With engine off, place the shift lever in the "Drive" position. Get under the car, loosen the adjustment lock on the shift rod (located and attached to the bottom of the shift lever). Now, go to the transmission and move the shift select lever on the side of the transmission all the way forward while sliding the shift rod through the adjustment lock as necessary. Tighten the adjustment lock #10 Torx screw to 9 ft-lbs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 70
Likes: 3
W220 S500 2003 4Matic & W140 1998 S600 V12
Check the linkage under the car.
With engine off, place the shift lever in the "Drive" position. Get under the car, loosen the adjustment lock on the shift rod (located and attached to the bottom of the shift lever). Now, go to the transmission and move the shift select lever on the side of the transmission all the way forward while sliding the shift rod through the adjustment lock as necessary. Tighten the adjustment lock #10 Torx screw to 9 ft-lbs.
With engine off, place the shift lever in the "Drive" position. Get under the car, loosen the adjustment lock on the shift rod (located and attached to the bottom of the shift lever). Now, go to the transmission and move the shift select lever on the side of the transmission all the way forward while sliding the shift rod through the adjustment lock as necessary. Tighten the adjustment lock #10 Torx screw to 9 ft-lbs.
Thanks to both of you!
Quick question at what height and front/rear position of the car should I be expecting the adjuster to be? next to the front 2 catalytic converters? in front of the torque converter? I can't seem to find it!
