Automatic - shifter disconnected from linkage?

[Roadstir]

I was just backing out of the driveway and had put it in drive when- "snick"-the gear shift lever went slack and I was stuck in neutral.  It flops around like it's disconnected somewhere.  A friend helped me push it back into the garage where it's sat until now.

Not having any experience with the tranny part of my car, I'd be grateful for any suggestions.  ie. is this a under the car repair or an on top fix.  My guess is that the linkage has come undone somewhere.

Thanks~

Roadstir

[WRe]

Hi,
this could be a well known problem: shift rod bushings, see here no. 48:
http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/en/230-280SL-W113/27-Automatic-Gearbox/27-b-Automatic-Linkage-and-Connecting-Parts/
...WRe

[kampala]

One of these Plastic Shift Rod Bushings can be accessed from under the car quite easily.  When under the car on the left side, look directly above the transmission Bolt Plate (the one that's typically body color) and you will find the lever disconnected.  If its this front plastic bushing, you can wire it together temporarily if needed without removing the plate.   

When replacing the bushing, removing the plate makes it easier, and it's also a good time to replace the transmission mount "while you are there." 

[Roadstir]

Thanks, WRE & Kampala.

Kampala, I'm under the car now and am looking for that plate.  Nothing is painted, so I'm not sure.  Is it right behind what looks like the transmission fluid pan?  There's a heavy steel plate there with about 8 large bolts around the perimeter and one large bolt in the center.  is this it?  As I'm removing the bolts I can feel some pressure pushing the plate down.  Is there anything that's going to come loose when I take that last bolt off?

[badali]

you must support the transmission or everything will drop.  At the front of that plate you should see the rod near the linkage that may have come loose.  If it is not that one it is under the shift lever inside the car.

[kampala]

Exactly as Brad explained.  The front plastic bushing attachment linkage is visible at the front of that plate.  You must support the transmission if you are removing the plate, be careful.   The other bushing, is accessed from inside as Brad explained. 

[Roadstir]

Thank the Lord it is the TOP bushings!  Here's a photo of everything, including the two identical bushings the dealer sold me.

My understanding is-

A- gets of of these.
B- gets the other one, but on the linkage piece inside the tunnel, not on the lever as shown.  What exactly holds the linkage piece with new bushings onto the lever when I reassemble?
C- gets nothing?

Lots of play with A's bushing being deteriorated.

[Roadstir]

While attempting to press the heated bushing onto the linkage arm in the tunnel I dropped the arm and the washer into the tunnel.  Miraculously, I felt around and found the new bushing.  Bad news is that the linkage rod became disconnected from the tranny at the other end.  Guess that means I'll be replacing the lower one as well.  A couple more questions-

1. Does anyone have the part numbers for the bushings/washer that go on each end of the shift housing?  I purchased the retaining ring already.  The photo seems to show a washer next to the retaining ring and then some sort of bushings on opposite ends of the housing.

2.  Back to the transmission plate on the underside- I'm assuming I'll need to remove this plate to press on the new bushing.  And when I do, would I connect the rod up top first and THEN connect the other end underneath?

3.  Instructions say the upper linkage bushing should be oriented with small hole facing left and large hole facing right, but it looks as though the  shift lever goes into the LEFT side (small hole) of the linkage rod, which will not fit?

Thanks for all the help, gentlemen.

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=TransmissionClutch.Shifter#Linkage

[badali]

If you assemble all the linkage then you can slip it through and make the last connection from under the car.  You can move the lever into park on the transmission to have it where you can see it to connect it.  No need to remove the plate if done this way.

[WRe]

Hi,
here are the part numbers you need:
- 2 bushings no. A1122670050
- 2 washers no.  A1879900840 could replaced by no. A0008242282.
...WRe

[Roadstir]

You guys are awesome.  Thank you so much for all your help!

I'll see if I can get these parts from the dealer or maybe a vendor on here.

[Roadstir]

Gentlemen~

As of 1300 today I am up and running, thanks to you and your help!  I had a problem getting the shift gate lamp to stay positioned, so I hot glued the ends and all is good.  This was a daunting task for me and my confidence was waning, but the detailed instructions, advice, and photos helped me keep my sanity.

By the way, the two shift rod bushings were $4.95 apiece.  Not too bad for a slug of nylon.  But the very slightly larger shifter bushings were $29/piece!!!  Are you kidding me?  Stealership, indeed.

Have a happy Labor Day weekend, all.

Roadstir - VA

[Topless]

I did my repair with a pin and washer and drilling a hole.

[su8pack1]

Its happened to me twice over the years. Not a hard fix.