190e auto : Unable to select Park

[Steve-T]

A mate of mine has a 1986 'C' reg 190e 2.0 auto and no internet access...hence..

The car has been sat for over a year. Upon driving it recently, he has been unable to re-select Park when he turns off the engine. Apparently this now means the car won't start as it need to be in Park for the engine to start.....

Is this big problem or little problem ??

Any ideas please.

Cheers,

Steve

 

[tom7035]

A mate of mine has a 1986 'C' reg 190e 2.0 auto and no internet access...hence..

The car has been sat for over a year. Upon driving it recently, he has been unable to re-select Park when he turns off the engine. Apparently this now means the car won't start as it need to be in Park for the engine to start.....

Is this big problem or little problem ??

Any ideas please.

Cheers,

Steve

Hi Steve.

(1) Can it start in 'N'?
(2) Can it engage 'R' OK?

Tom.

 

[Steve-T]

Apparently not on both counts....sorry it's a bit vague.

Steve

 

[190e-nut]

I have always selected park Before turning of engine I was told not to shift while engine was stopped.also the later models won't allow key removal unless it's in park ..

 

[tom7035]

Steve, assuming the selector rod is adjusted correctly;

All I can find on this is, "if the shift lever cannot engage 'R' or 'P', then with the engine running, clean the centrifugal governor and ensure correct operation, and, with the engine off, check the operation of the detent piston in lower cover". Not a lot can be done about the former if he can't start the engine though!

I can't personally expand on this but the info. may help a mechy with some autobox experience. Even if replacement of the item/s is necessary, it obviously can be done with the 'box 'in situ', which should be a relief.

Hope this is of some help, but it still could be something simpler I suppose. As you say, a bit vague and getting the info third-hand isn't a lot of help either! Good luck,

Tom.

 

[996jimbo]

Have you tried putting it in neutral and moving the car? Or putting it in gear and rocking the car? Or putting it in neutral, pushing it gently and then trying park with it still moving slightly (but only slightly)?

Grasping at straws I know but it might be some kind of alignment problem.

 

[Steve-T]

Moving on

Right, I've finally managed to get the keys and have a look at the car :-

Initially, I wasn't able to select R or P, however I was able to start the car in N

I drove 300yds and then left it running for 5mins. I tried the 996jimbo's theory of 'rocking' the car, by using the drive. Sure enough, I could then select reverse and park as well.

Two theories on this :-
1.) The linkage needs a slight adjustment. The fella who brought the car a year ago states that he couldn't engaged reverse straight away - had a word with the garage and the mechanic did his stuff and sorted it. Problem is, can't remember what the mechanic did, whether it was inside the car or underneath.

2.) Could it be related to the transmission oil warming up.

My money is with number 1.

Problem solved....I don't think so. The car stalled whilst on an inclined junction. I managed to started it again and carried on (today's lesson is in using your 6th sense strangely enough, the engine cut out at 50mph on another incline (this will be a pitch black incline - back to my 6th sense statement

Could get the thing started again...mate comes with tow vehicle. Managed to start the car again, but, we towed it.

The Story
The was purchased from a back street garage's 'trade in' selection just over a year ago. My mate was burgled an wanted a prestige car on the drive to give the impression someone was in.

The car has 135k miles on the clock. It's last service stamp was at 99k back in 1998.

It hasn't been started for at least 6 months, let alone driven. The car didn't have the stalling fault when it was purchased a year ago.

The fact that it does start and drive + the fault occurred at 50 mph as well as stationary helps me not at all. Any advice greatly received. I will be looking at the usual, plugs, points, fuel filter etc.

The plans
A) Get the car running, MOT it and then sell it.
B) Sell as parts.
C) Sell it to a breakers - or pay them to take it more likely
D) Airstrike coordinates [0124A] [5678B]

Steve
C)

 

[television]

Two things.Fuel lines and electrics.
I would have opted for fuel and the fact that it stops on an incline would almost show that there is air in the system or fuel pump lazy/filter clogged.
Any air can be seen in pipes. First thing I would do is change filter and put plenty of injection cleaner in the tank and just let the car run.

Re electrics, starting the car and moving fuses and relay boxes, tapping them a little would show any intermitant faults.

Malcolm

 

[Steve-T]

Fuel Filter

Any clues as to where the fuel filter is ??

I've had the air filter off, but can see anything obvious.

If you have any knowledge of a web site with engine diagrams, that would be great.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[television]

Any clues as to where the fuel filter is ??

I've had the air filter off, but can see anything obvious.

If you have any knowledge of a web site with engine diagrams, that would be great.

Thanks,

Steve

The fuel pump is just infront of the tank (off side) and the filter is in line to the pump

Malcolm

 

[tom7035]

The fuel pump is just infront of the tank (off side) and the filter is in line to the pump

Malcolm

You have to remove a panel under the r/o/s floor area to get to it Steve.
P.S. Remember to de-pressurise the fuel system before you start or you'll get drenched in fuel!