230SL automatic tranmission linkage

[NZ230]

Hi,

I'm still struggling to fit the auto linkage to the transmission....

Have I got this bushings the right way around and the linkage bar correctly orientated?

Sorry this is such a simple job but it doesnt seem to connect and shift properly!

thanks

H

[ja17]

Looks correct. You might have some length  adjustments after installation.

[merrill]

hi
length wise looks correct but the linkage might need to be rotated 180

the attached photo shows how the linkage attaches at the transmission.

to check just hold the shifter assy how it would sit in the car and have the linkage in the proper direction. ("forward")

look at the linkage transmission connection end.

if yours is pointing the wrong direction then that is the problem

[merrill]

if you are having issues with the bushing at the transmission end staying on  flip the bushing 180 degrees.

[NZ230]

Thanks I think the trans end is orientated correctly maybe the shifter end is 180 deg out. Def have the bushings the right side facing each connection (smaller hole)

[ja17]

Just swing the linkage rod around towards the "2". You do not have to disconnect anything. With the plastic bushings install them so that the side with the small hole goes over the ball first!

[NZ230]

Sorry I dont follow "toward the 2"? Thanks

[ja17]

Swing the end of the long linkage around so the loose end is on the same side of the chrome cover as the "2".

[merrill]

hi
i think what Joe is saying is in your picture you have the assembly laid out backwards.

in the car the "P" in the chrome is rearward and the linkage goes forward.

maybe you were trying to put the assembly in backwards and the shaft coming out of the chrome housing was on the wrong side of the car.
it should be on the drivers side.

[NZ230]

i believe the orientation is correct as per this photo with the shifter attacgment on the left side of the shifter as you describe. I will take another look this week when get a chance.....

[merrill]

hi
assuming bushings are installed correctly and linkage is oriented correctly it should work.

the only other suggestion is when lowering the linkage thru the hole in the transmission tunnel inside the car kind of
angle it outward away from the transmission and angled down some.

there is a harness and other stuff on the side of the transmission you do not want to get caught up on.

also when pushing the bushing onto the transmission linkage be sure to support the back of the assy not just push on.
you do not want to bend anything.   i usually use a channel lock pliers (with some tape wrapped around the teeth so you dont damage the bushing )to compress the 2 together.
if that does not work, i have remove the bushing from the linkage, put it in some hot water for a bit then with out burning my fingers pushing everything into place.   yes i did this while laying under the car with a small pyrex measuring cup with some hot water in it.

if in the end this still does not work it might be time to remove some stuff to see whats going on.
how?
1. hold the trans in place with a floor jack and a 2 x4 piece of wood between the jack and trans filter pan
2. remove the bolts holding the rear trans support in place.  by removing the outer bolts first then the middle bolt to the trans mount but be careful to not just remove the bolt as there might be spacer washers on the other side.
what i do is loosen the bolt and lower the metal together holding the bolt in placel
once its free from the car and holding the bolt in place look to see if there are any washers and keep track of them so you can re install properly.

then check out your linkage to see what is going on.  once thats figured out put it all back together then last remove the floor jack and 2x4 supporting the transmisison.