S430 Stuck in park
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
s430
S430 Stuck in park
I have a 2002 S430, and after start up, i couldnt get the gearshift out of park. I read the threads, thank you all, and tried the rubber mallet trick to dislodge the gear from park in order to drive it home so that i can remove the gearbox and remove the broken plastic piece that everyone is talking about. After several attempts of hammering with rubber mallet, it didnt work. Should i be using a small sledge instead? Will i damage anything in doing so? Any help would be appreciated!
Last edited by giancan; Oct 20, 2012 at 09:16 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
s430
I fixed mine for 0 dollars takes couple hours.i removed the safety lever inside the shift box.so now you dont have to step on brake.there is a you tube video step by step.u can replace the plastic lever with aftermarket aluminum one 39.bucks.ebay has them plastic is 25 bucks.you will need a pin punch if u replace it..I chose to just break the rest off with a screw driver.4 screws hold center counsil and 3 screws hold the box.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 448
Likes: 3
From: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
2003 S430, 2014 E350
Before putting everything back together, i highly recommend you put a couple of E clips on the transmission linkage. Mines fell off when i tried to go from reverse to drive on a steep hill. Upon inspection, i saw that the shifter side tranny link clip was worn out, and it allowed shaft to come off the shifter. One precaution to take to avoid getting stranded on a mountain. I was lucky that AAA drove up the mountain to rescue me, on a rainy day.
