Hello there,
Long time no question. Now I have one...
I just went out to start my 1983 300D.
When I turn the key to the position where the charge light goes out, the light doesn't go out. The car will start, but the light doesn't go out until I start the car.?...and then I shut the car off, and the charge indicator light came on, and my car ran for 15 seconds or so after I turned it off...
I just want to run one block to the store....what is going on?
Thanks
Lindajane

Is this a trick question

When you position the key to the run position. The charge light SHOULD be on. Since the battery is running, or providing the votage to the cars entire electrical system. The battery puts out about 12-12.5 volts for a fully charged battery. When the engine is started then the alternator puts out about 13.5-14.5 volts which causes the light to go out. If the light comes on when the cars engine is running then there is something wrong with the charging system, alternator.
Think of the light as a voltage threshhold light. If the voltage is below about 13 volts the light is on and the battery is providing the electricity to the cars system. If the voltage is above 13 volts then the alternator is providing the voltage, greater than 13 volts and the light will go out. Since a normally operating alternator is supposed to provide 13.5 or greater voltage then this system is normal. if the alternator drops below the 13 volt threshold than the battery is suppying the voltage and will eventually die.

Dave

PS Let me add. The key has 4 positions the full left posititon is the off position. No power is supplied to any system on the car.
the next position to the right is the Accessory position. electricity is provided , by the battery , to various electrical systems that are not engine related. the next position is the run position. This postition provides electrical power to the cars accesories as well as the engine electrical components. the 4th position to the right engages the starter.

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

Huh...
Maybe I am really losing it. What happens is I turn the key to position 2, where the charge indicator and preglowing indicator lamps come on. THEN, normally, the preglowing indicator goes out, THEN I start the car.
WHat is happening now is the pre-glow indicator does not go out UNTIL I start the engine....

I think your bat charge light is supposed to stay lit until the engine fires off, then goes out after it's running. After you turn the key all the way off, no lights should come on. If you turn the key to position II without engaging the starter, all panel systems lights including bat charge light will come on.

If the engine takes 15 seconds to respond to your having turned the key all the way off, I would suspect a possible vacuum leak involving your engine shut off valve at the IP. Another possibility could be a worn ignition switch which also has a vacuum connection for that shut off at the IP.

Ok the term is the "glow plug light" It sound like your alternator light is working normally.
The glow plug light has a timer which is located on the front left wheel well in the engine compartment. Your timer may be inop. You need to check to see if the voltage at the glow plug stops after the cars engine is started. If not then you are providing electricity to the glow plugs all the time and you will burn them out.

Dave

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

THanks alot...SO I am going to drive 1 block to the store and call my mechanic tomorrow.