I just got a 1975 240D, I started it earlier today without problem. I came back to start the car a few moments ago and its not starting or turning over. Lights work, so its not the battery. Please help.

Sticky solenoid is likely culprit. Smack it with hammer using surgical precision to loosen it up so car will start. Friend of mine with BMW where manifolds need to be pulled to replace starter used solenoid/hammer method 2 yrs every day to start the car.

Where is the solenoid? what does it look like? and what should I hit it with?

My old tractor needs a smack in the starter now and then, then its starts fine for a while. Clean the battery terminals up even tho you have lights.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

It's small can attachment on starter motor where wires attach. Dont smash it, just rap it firm with hammer. There's device inside that sticks when oughta be kickin starter gear to engage flywheel teeth. It's generally cold weather problem that sloowly gets worst and worst until yer using hammer technique every day.

Here's the drill: first warm up glow plugs, smack solenoid then try the key to start the car. Carry the hammer with you in driver's seat for when it happens again.

Could be a number of things:
Bad connections somewhere (battery, starter, ground)
Bad ignition switch
Bad starter

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Are you getting any sounds or lights on the instrument panel? If you are getting nothing, it like the problem I'm having right now with my 79 240D.

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1991 300E 124.030 103.983KE 722358 03 412178
207K

1979 240D 123.123 250K (Project car)

2000 Ford Ranger, 187K

2015 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 37K

Where is the ignition switch? Is it underneath the instrument panel?

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1991 300E 124.030 103.983KE 722358 03 412178
207K

1979 240D 123.123 250K (Project car)

2000 Ford Ranger, 187K

2015 Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 37K

I am having the same trouble now. You sure the car is in park?


Once it engages can it slip? Sometimes I just get the whrrr.... and then the next time I get like a small nudge of the engine before it goes whrr... after a couple of tries it starts right up. It does it after driving for 30 mins or in the morning first thing. I clean the battery cables and the rings at the terminal on fender next to battery.

Can the solenoid be pulled apart with the starter on the car??

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85 300D Turbo

If automatic transmission, could be neutral safety switch. Try wiggling the shifter in park, and also trying starting while in neutral.

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Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC