ZF Transmission Blues

[Jeffb]

After a 4 hour run I docked and change the batteries on the port main.
Two days later I fired her up and the port main was in forward gear. I checked
the linkage and it's ok. I can shift to N and R but no change. Can this be an
electrical issue?

 

[Bow Tie]

Hi Jeff,
I assume that you have shift cables? Also, how is forward? You said N to R was inop, but did you try forward? If you have nothing going on FNR check your shift cable at the trans and make sure it is moving the shift lever at the trans. If your cable is not moving the lever, you may have a problem from your helm shift lever/cable. You can also detach the cable at the trans to see if the trans shift lever moves to FNR? If you have electronic shift, with engine running go into the bilge and "manually" shift the gear at the solenoid. If you can engage the gear manually, it's probably a solenoid. I would also check all the wires and connections going to the solenoid by checking the power with a 12vdc meter before changing the solenoid. Also, check under the trans / engine bell housing, if there are small pieces of rubber under the bell housing you have a broken torsional coupler. Good luck with this. I had the same thing happen, my torsional coupler got wasted, $6700. later all was good.

Bow Tie