SL500 Can't select park so won't start..

[timzbenz]

Hi folks,

On my second trip in an 1983 500SL Auto, I turned off the engine with the auto transmission still in drive. After shopping for 20 mins, I can't start the engine - battery looks ok (no dimming off the heaadlights when trying to start). I think it's because I can't select neutral or park. Indeed, with the ignition on, gearshift in Park, I can roll the car back and forth any distance without any locking, indicating it's still in gear.

The gearshift is very free (electronic, not mechanical?), and no gearbox noises as I shift between gears.

Am I missing something here - doing something wrong, or a blown fuse? I've spent hours on the web looking, nothing. Any help much appreciated.

Thanks in advance...

 

[jberks]

Im pretty sure an 83 sl is a mechanical shift (no computers back then) - sounds like a linkage problem. As you say, it won't turn over if it's in gear.

 

[stwat]

This might be a daft question but you are putting your foot on the brake before trying to select park are you not?? Im sure you already know this but its a safety feature that will not allow you to move the shifter until you have your foot on the brake pedal.

 

[joe bloggs]

Not on the 107 SL it does not have this feature, I agree with jberks, sounds like the shift rod has become detached, is the lever completely free, with no detents felt when moving through gears?

 

[timzbenz]

Jberks and joe bloggs have it - it has a mechanical linkage. I went back this morning with my tools and had a good look, and the clip which holds the linkage together had gone and it had come adrift. Took me about an hour to fix it with a temp job, enuff to get it home.

Thanks a lot guys, saved me a call out - if ever you're in the Whitsundays, Australia, I'll shout you a beer or three

 

[daytona]

starting Problem on your SL500

this Car can be started in neutral gear.I suggest as a measure of getting it gpoing to turn your key as you start the Car and at same time move the gearlever since your problem is an ajustment needed of the Linkage