W208 Clk Gear Selector

[DelBenz]

Greetings, I am currently immobilised as I dare not get stuck somewhere in traffic being unable to get into D. I spoke with a dealer trained Tech. who claims he can sort it but not for a couple of weeks. He reckons it may be a bush or grommet that needs changing - didnt specify which. Another transmission place said "Oh yes, its common on those, recon box £1200 +vat" - without even seeing it.

From what I understand 'P', 'R' and 'N' are mechanically selected and D - 1 are controlled electronically.

I can get into R, though sometimes it finds R where N is located. And D is getting more and more hit and miss. I have done all the 'oil in loom' rectifications and all sense of logic is directing me back to the electronics. Is removing the selector a DIY job from inside the car as I cant get underneath it from home ? I would like to check the contacts for selecting Drive.

Advice appreciated

 

[television]

Surely it is best to re set up the selector rod first,, I have never heard of the box giving this fault.

I may have a paper on how to check this

 

[DelBenz]

All advice appreciated. Given the weather and the relucrance to drive it mch until its sorted I thought tackling he selector might be a more palatable prospect than getting underneath it. I look forward to the info on resetting the selector rod.
The selector mechanism being electronic must be prone to contact wear or contamination as well though ?

 

[Uncle Benz]

You have a problem with the synchronisation of the selector rod to the gearbox, as TV has said. There is an adjustment on the rod, and the rod does sit in a rubber grommet at the gearbox end. If there is no slack in the linkage when it is examined, take a close look at the engine and gearbox mountings. If they fail or become weak the engine and gearbox can move relative to the selector and create the symptoms you describe.

Only the tiptronic part is electronic. D is mechanically selected, and once engaged the tiptronic becomes functional

 

[jimsinessex]

You have a problem with the synchronisation of the selector rod to the gearbox, as TV has said. There is an adjustment on the rod, and the rod does sit in a rubber grommet at the gearbox end. If there is no slack in the linkage when it is examined, take a close look at the engine and gearbox mountings. If they fail or become weak the engine and gearbox can move relative to the selector and create the symptoms you describe.

Only the tiptronic part is electronic. D is mechanically selected, and once engaged the tiptronic becomes functional

Check the rubber grommet. My linkage got very sloppy and when I eventually looked I found the grommet had disintegrated. Luckily it had not yet affected the gear change.

Jim

 

[DelBenz]

Man with a pit

I have entrusted the job to a 'Man with a pit' underneath his shed/garage locally who seems to have a bit of a back street industry going on a few doors down from me. He seems to think he will need to do the adjustment from below and from the console end ( I assumed it would only be from underneath ). He hasn't picked it up yet but here's hoping ...

 

[wireman]

On 201 & 124 models there is a plastic grommet/bush at each end of the link rod, a true pig to access, you can see it and if you look at it from below whilst the assistant moves the lever any slop is immediately apparent. At 80p a bush its not costly to fix but to get at it you will most likely need to lower the gearbox cross member.

 

[jimsinessex]

On 201 & 124 models there is a plastic grommet/bush at each end of the link rod, a true pig to access, you can see it and if you look at it from below whilst the assistant moves the lever any slop is immediately apparent. At 80p a bush its not costly to fix but to get at it you will most likely need to lower the gearbox cross member.

On the W208 CLK it is readily accessible from underneath.

Jim

 

[DelBenz]

Getting closer to a conclusion

My 'Man with the pit' has some good news for me... he is certain he has found the problem and has ordered the parts for tomorrow. Apparently the bush at the end of the rod is completely missing as is a grub screw and he needs to change an aluminium sleeving in the same area. Those with a photographic memory of that region of the selector will be able to give a more technical breakdown to help other forum readers - I will hopefully have the part numbers when I get the car - and the bill, tomorrow.

 

[DelBenz]

** The End ***

My 'Man with the pit' has some good news for me... he is certain he has found the problem and has ordered the parts for tomorrow. Apparently the bush at the end of the rod is completely missing as is a grub screw and he needs to change an aluminium sleeving in the same area. Those with a photographic memory of that region of the selector will be able to give a more technical breakdown to help other forum readers - I will hopefully have the part numbers when I get the car - and the bill, tomorrow.

I am pleased to announce the problem seems to have been sorted once and for all - The aluminium end piece that attaches tthe selector rod, the bush that sits on it where it joins the the bottom end of the lever and assorted clibs and grub screw all came to £25 plus £40 labour - plus a top up for my gratitude. Been road tested and given the all clear. I hope this helps someone else having problems getting into Drive with their automatic gear selector. I've been quoted: transmission, electrics pack ....

Thanks to all who contributed on the forum.

 

[television]

I am pleased to announce the problem seems to have been sorted once and for all - The aluminium end piece that attaches tthe selector rod, the bush that sits on it where it joins the the bottom end of the lever and assorted clibs and grub screw all came to £25 plus £40 labour - plus a top up for my gratitude. Been road tested and given the all clear. I hope this helps someone else having problems getting into Drive with their automatic gear selector. I've been quoted: transmission, electrics pack ....

Thanks to all who contributed on the forum.

Its another example of a furum at its best,,so pleased it turned out well for you

 

[DelBenz]

Its another example of a furum at its best,,so pleased it turned out well for you

Yep this forum is great, Ive recommended it to users in Australia recently.

 

[DelBenz]

There just had to be something else...

My reverse lights are not working. The Bulbs are OK, Fuse 12 in the fuse holder on the drivers side of the dash is OK. So I safely assume something switch end. Is this and under the car or inside job to check or fix the switch ?

 

[television]

They used to put it on the end of the gearbox,,but I am not sure on this one,,might be in the selector ass