300D ignition problem
 

Hi ya'll,
I just finished rewiring a 1981 300D (because rats ate through all kinds of wires). I found both ends of all the wires and repaired them except one. It is a green wire that comes out of the firewall on the passenger side right next to the transmission hump. Can anyone tell me where this wire goes?
So, I am hoping that it is the culprit. The problem I am having is that the key won't turn all the way. That last little eighth of an inch that turns the starter and springs back doesn't happen. The power is on. The windows and lights work but the key won't turn all the way.
Any help would be very much appreciated. I am so close to getting this thing running.
Isaac

I believe that green wire goes to the transmission, it's the electric kickdown solenoid wire. Check for the remaining end on a screwdown connector.

The keyswitch problem is either a bad tumbler or a bad switch, not a wiring problem. I'd bet on the switch if it won't spring back.

Peter

My 1980 300SD won't switch to the starter position if I leave it in the glow plug position for too long.
This might be some sort of device to prevent you from attempting too start after the glow plugs have cooled off. Not sure.
But anyways, If I simply switch the key all the way of, then back to glow plugs, it will turn the last bit and start without problems.

So.... There might be a "locking device" in the ignition switch by design. And maybe yours is bad, or you are not getting the propper signal to unlock the device.

Does anyone know if there is in fact a "locking device" on the ignition to prevent cranking of the starter under certain conditions? :confused: