I have an 86 240GL. I am having a hell of a time trying to get the electronic 5th gear engaged. Sometimes it works without any coaxing, just a flick of the switch but most times I have to push the stick shift back and towards the passenger to engage the electronic 5th. I have checked the wires to the relay and they are congruent. Anotehr thing that happens is that when it goes in 5th easily if the shift is moved by a bump in the road or whatever, it will kick out of 5th. Has anyone had this problem? does anyone know what to do? Its hard on gas driving in 4th all the time. Please help!
swrens2549@rogers.com

Ok, I'll go with Doc on this one. Classic 4th gear switch symptoms.

The switch is on the top right side of the transmission and has a single red wire.

As Doc inidcated, you may not have to move the tranny depending upon how limber you are and the type of socket, swivel, extension and ratchet you have.

If you have trouble getting at the switch, a trick that I use is as follows:

Support trans with a hydraulic jack. Remove the transmission crossmember support bolts on the LEFT side of vehicle and REINSTALL...THREE full turns.

Remove right side bolts all the way. Slowly lower trans with jack until the support hits the left side bolts...then slowly lower the trans further which will roll the tranny over to the right until you can get on the switch with your socket. Doesn't have to be far.

Change the switch.

As you jack the tranny back up, place a long drift or Phillips head screwdriver through one set of right bolt holes to line up the cross member as it moves back up. Install the bolts and tighten all the support bolts to 37 ft lbs.

Drive happy.

Duane

Willie the Wonder Wagoon (1985 245) had exactly the same problem....Not kinda like it, BUT exactly. It is definitly the 4th gear safety switch. I just replaced it and all is well ith the world again. You DO NOT need to drop the tranny, the only thing you need to drop is yourself under the passengerside of the tranny. You will only be able to see the electrical connection of the switch, but you can touch the switch that kinda looks like a really big sender with a nipple on the end. The repair takes 10 minutes and a 3/8 ratched and a 21 or 22 mm deep socket. Remove old and install new. Your O/D issues will disappear.

Hello,

Looks like the contact switch on the transmission may be at fault. Some other bricksters may have some on-car procedures, but I remember it being only accessed from dropping out the tranny. Good way to replace the rear main seal and the driveshaft hanger bearing as well while you're at it.

Did you try resoldering the relay??? Or even trying a different one. How's the gearbox oil level??? I had an overdrive that wouldn't engage hot because someone didn't put enough gear oil in the tranny once....

Richard

87 245 DL 347,000 km
82 242 GLT 121,000 km