Hello everyone. Can someone tell me how to replace the automatic shifter in a 1991 240? I’ve read over a few threads talking about shifter issues, but haven’t seen any steps on its removal and replacement.

My problem is that the metal shaft that connects to the button on top is rusted and stuck in the downward position allowing me to freely select gears without having to press the button. Although this doesn’t prevent me from driving the car, I’d just like it to work properly. I’ve seen a few selectors in my favorite junk yard, but thought I’d better get some advice on how to handle this before I get too gung ho. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Surely the wrecker would have some idea on how to remove the shift lever.

Hi,

I've been lurking for a while around here and have always found good help and insight from this forum...and finally I can help out someone else.

First .. is this an automatic or manual shifter. The automatic has a very small pin where the shaft connects to the cross member in the shift leverbox. It is very hard to see with all the old lube down there.

You need a small punch to push it out and you'll first need to remove the shifter cover. I'm working on a 242 turbo automatic and found this out after removing the entire shifter from the car .. the tranny had to be disconnected from the drive shaft to do so and a few bolts had to be taken out. No biggie since I was replacing the overdrive wire to the transmission housing anyway.

Hope this helps... :grin:

cjlomax

Cjlomax, thank you so much for your input. Yes, this is an automatic shifter in a 1991 240. I removed the cover and looked around in the shifter assembly, but I wasn’t sure I saw the pin you are speaking of. I did see what looked like a pin on the driver’s side of the shifter, down where the shaft splits in two. Is this the one you’re talking about? If so, this pin is sitting horizontally and would be difficult to remove with a punch as I will be unable to strike at it with a hammer or small mallet.

Now, if I am looking at the correct pin, should removing this pin allow me to remove the shifter without dropping the tranny? Am I understanding you correctly that you removed your shifter only after removing the tranny and removing some bolts at the drive shaft? ‘Cause if so, I’ll be more than happy to jack this baby up if I can get the job done.

Please keep it comin’. I’d love to figure this thing out.

Regards

Yes .. that is the pin I was talking about.. it is on the drivers side.. and very small..you can rotate the horizontal connecting shaft a bit with a pair of needle nose pliers or vise grips to get it more vertical gaining punch access to the pin .. it's a bit of a pain but can be done. Just don't lose it down in the box.

Even if you drop the tranny and get the whole box out you'll still need to remove that pin... I found it with the box on the bench but figured out how to do it while it was still in the vehicle with some sweating and swearing..

and yes just removing the driveshaft from the tranny will show the four bolts allowing you to remove the gearbox ..you will also need to remove the linkage to the tranny .. the hardest part was getting that bolt and linkage at the top of the gearbox on the drivers side off. With it on you cannot get the gearbox out from the inside of the car due to the dimensions .. hence why I just removed the pin while in the car leaving the box intact .. I didn't want to go through that again. :)

I may still have to since I found a nicer shift level for my project .. also be very careful with the wires inside the shift (shaft) mechanism. That is the connection to your overdrive. I was repairing mine since the bullet connection was totally corroded and shot. Its a weird connection if you ask me.

Take your time it does come out rather easily ..it's just figuring out which way to go ..