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Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: Magyar on 07 March 2024, 08:42 PM

Title: No reverse 280se
Post by: Magyar on 07 March 2024, 08:42 PM
Hi, I have a Mercedes w116 280SE, but it suddenly will not go into reverse.
What could be the causes and repairs for this?

Thanks
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: daantjie on 07 March 2024, 09:43 PM
First check is always fluid level check with hot engine and idling in Park. 

Drop the pan and check the condition of the fluid.  If dark and burnt with lots of sludge and metal bits then it's terminal I'm afraid and time for a replacement.
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: Magyar on 08 March 2024, 12:21 AM
Could it be anything else, like a loose bolt?
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: daantjie on 08 March 2024, 02:03 AM
Quote from: Magyar on 08 March 2024, 12:21 AMCould it be anything else, like a loose bolt?

There is a bolt that adjusts the reverse band adjustment.  It sits at passenger side (left hand drive) close to the kick down solenoid.  The bolt/pin has a locking collar nut to hold the adjustment position so it might be good to check this yes.
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: raueda1 on 08 March 2024, 05:17 PM
To be clear, you mean that the SHIFTER won't go into the reverse position?  Or that the car doesn't DRIVE in reverse?
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: Magyar on 08 March 2024, 06:59 PM
The shifter goes into reverse but, the reverse gear won't engage.
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: rumb on 12 March 2024, 09:39 AM
Did you check all the shift linkage bushings?
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: Magyar on 14 March 2024, 12:56 AM
Quote from: rumb on 12 March 2024, 09:39 AMDid you check all the shift linkage bushings?
Quote from: rumb on 12 March 2024, 09:39 AMDid you check all the shift linkage bushings?the bushings seem fine, it goes into reverse but, doesn't seem to FULLY engage.
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: ramiro on 14 March 2024, 09:26 AM
Linkage makes no sense because Reverse is in the middle , so there always should be a way to get into reverse.
I also think that most likely the problem is inside the transmission , did it go quickly into reverse before you lost it ?
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: Magyar on 14 March 2024, 05:32 PM
Quote from: ramiro on 14 March 2024, 09:26 AMLinkage makes no sense because Reverse is in the middle , so there always should be a way to get into reverse.
I also think that most likely the problem is inside the transmission , did it go quickly into reverse before you lost it ?
I just bought their car.It goes into reverse but it feels like it's only half engaged.
Title: Re: No reverse 280se
Post by: Randys01 on 30 March 2024, 01:06 AM
Magyar........perhaps you would like to update the forum on this issue?