Trans position indicator intermittant

[av8r]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advise. The readout for the position comes and goes with no regularity. Searched the forums and couldn't find anything.
Chris
95 530i m60, 1975 cessna 172m

[DaveVoorhis]

I'd suspect the transmission position switch. It's easily accessible if you remove the shift lever handle and the console cover. Try disassembling it and cleaning the contacts and tracks with electrical contact cleaner. If that doesn't do it, it probably needs a new switch.

[av8r]

Dave,
I cant seem to be able to get the forward screw out. There is a pressed in/shear bolt that will not allow me to get to it. Any ideas?
Chris

[DaveVoorhis]

Sorry, not sure what screw you're referring to. Can you identify it by number on here?

[av8r]

Its number 8 bit there is one in front.
chris

[DaveVoorhis]

Is something in the way of #8, or does #8 just spin, or otherwise not want to come out?

[av8r]

The steel part that connects to the pin. It is actually the pin that is above the screw.
Chris

[DaveVoorhis]

You mean #5? Can you pop the circlip off the end of it? A screwdriver or knife blade should pry it off.

Alternatively, you could try spraying contact cleaner into the switch where it sits. It won't help if the switch has corroded, melted, or fallen apart inside, but it will help if it's just a bit of oxidisation.

[av8r]

You mean #5? Can you pop the circlip off the end of it? A screwdriver or knife blade should pry it off.

Alternatively, you could try spraying contact cleaner into the switch where it sits. It won't help if the switch has corroded, melted, or fallen apart inside, but it will help if it's just a bit of oxidisation.

here is a picture of the problem.
Chris

[DaveVoorhis]

Ah. I see. I take it the pin doesn't want to back out of the aluminium? A ball-end Allen wrench might be able to get past it.