Failed State Insp. cuz Gear Shift Indicator doesn't line up

[Kate]

We had the MD State Inspection done on our new to us 1986 740 GLE today. The guy was a real stickler and we have to fix some stuff!

One of the things he failed was the gear shift indicator. (Automatic transmission) The red line indicating what gear you are in doesn't quite line up with the corresponding PRNDL - consequently he also said our backup lights didn't work (which they do) because he had it in neutral instead of reverse.

Anyone know how to adjust this so it lines up properly and we can take it back to this jerk and pass inspection?

[Peter Coutts]

Mine broke off and fell down in under...I haven't fixed it yet but here is how to get at it:

1. Remove ashtray
2. Remove plastic cover under hand brake and remove the 2 screws you find under the cover.
3. Lift off/remove the plastic cover that covers the shift indicator

Now you should be able to get at things and make adjustments for repairs. You may want to replace the indicator bulbs at the same time should they be out.

On mine the clear plastic cover actually broke and my fix will be super glue.
Good luck

[LaRy]

Make the steps like Kate has described. Actually it is nothing to adjust, if the gear shift is working as supposed. I had some similar problems with the indicator and the electrical switch. I suppose that if you look under the scale for the indicator, it seems maybe that the whole mechanism is having some play and can move around a little. If you get rid of this play the indicator and the electric switch will be working.
I solved it in the following way:
At the lower side of the indicator you will find two rather big screews. I made a connection by making an aluminum plate from these screews over to a couple of those screews holding the gear switch housing. Now I have a stiff connection and the feeling of the shift lever is more accurate and the indication and electrical switch is working perfect.