1981 Mercedes Benz 300d transmission

THEDALLASWADE

MEMBER
1981 MERCEDES BENZ 300D
176,000 MILES

I have a rearended automatic diesel that won't shift out of park( it won't turn the wheels). I can change gears by hand but the vehicle will not move. Someone please help if you can. I have checked the common rod bushings and they seem okay. The transmission mount seems secure. Although the motor mounts look like they need to be replaced. I am determined to get it back on the road. Also there is a major lack of power and hard shifting but I won't to focus on getting the car mobile first so my first question is how do I fix the shifter problem? Please ask me any questions necessary to assist you. Thank you.

5 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

How hard was it hit in the rear? Has the tail shaft need forced forward into the transmission?

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Monday, September 23rd, 2013 AT 2:05 AM

THEDALLASWADE

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I was hit by a car that was going atleast 20-30+mph while I was sitting at a red light.
(how will I be able to tell if the tail shaft went into the transmission, should it be pretty obvious?)
also you may want to know so far, when I crank the car I know park works, then when I shift out of park into drive or reverse the wheels aren't spinning. (Could this be a drive shaft problem or something other than the transmission like you mentioned)

also, when I was rear ended the car still drove for a week straight it was only till one night I was driving up a hill and I felt a sudden jerk under the car and since then i've had to tow it.

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Monday, September 23rd, 2013 AT 11:58 AM

MHPAUTOS

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My concern is with the drive shaft and if it was shunted into the trans, this may have damaged the trans internally, and the noise you heard later was something failing due to the impact, I feel it is time to get the trans inspected first hand.

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Monday, September 23rd, 2013 AT 2:17 PM

THEDALLASWADE

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8 POSTS

So basically do you suggest taking it to a professional? I was hoping to fix it myself but I don't know how complicated this could get.

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Tuesday, September 24th, 2013 AT 1:29 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Disconnect the shifter at the transmission and see if you can manually select neutral at the box, or any other gear for that matter, let me know what you find.