I am trying to find a previous link that showed how to remove and clean the transmission shift assembly under the center console. I cannot find it anywhere! If anyone can show a link or post pics I would greatly appreciate it.
Vehicle: W208 CLK230K 2000 year, Past -W203 C Class, W202 C Class, W210 E Class, W201 190E
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,079
To remove the gear shift is simple, all you need to do is twist the plastic bottom part of the shift anti-clockwise half a turn and it will move down, then you simply pull the gear shift up and off the shaft. The centre trim should just pull up as its only held in be clips.
I can get the trim off but there were some pics on how to remove the actual shift module itself and take it apart to clean the sensors inside of it. I think you also have to remove the armrest console to remove the shifter.
I just did this last week. Once you get the trim off around the shifter which all is just snapped in and remove the shift knob. Unplug the electrical connections for the windows, airbag light, ecs, etc there will be three allen key bolts around the base, one in the front and two in the rear under the plastic bar. There is a switch on the right side on the front right side that needs to be turned about a quarter turn and pulled out. On the front left side you need to unplug the harness for the shifter. Also on the underside of the shifter the transmission linkage needs to be disconnected by removing one clip on the shifter arm. Which can be done from inside the car if you can fit your hand down there. To gain clearance to remove the shifter I removed the two philips screws under the pad in the center console. Once they removed I was able to manipulate the shifter out of the console.
OK, so I have the big plastic unit containing what I presume to be the TCM in it out of the car and on my kitchen table. How in the world do you get it out of there for cleaning? Please see pictures of plastic unit top and bottom and the terrifying hole in my car.
Never one to wait around, I took the plastic part to the dealer. They nearly died when I asked them the same question. They sell the entire shifter assembly as one unit. Who knew? I just sprayed contact cleaner on the board and all of the gazillion wires and contacts and put it back together. It starts, runs, and drives, so we'll see what happens in July.
I'm guessing that's when one of two things happens: Either her extended warranty expires or that's when the car is paid off. After all, they seem to know those things, don't they?
Seriously, though, axncatsma, congratulations. That is great news indeed.
For the sake of posterity I added this thread to the W210 DIY sticky, very useful information indeed.
Take care and -- ENJOY THE RIDE!
Greg
__________________ Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy; its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. (Winston Churchill)
Last edited by Check Codes; 01-09-2008 at 04:23 PM.
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Shift module removal - what now? 
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