1987 300D starting problem
 

Hi.

I hope someone here can help with the problem I'm currently experiencing on my '87 300D. Before this problem the car was starting just fine w/ no problems.

When I turn the key to the position for the glow plugs to light up nothing happens. The next position (the position where the car should start) is when the glow plug lights (and all other dash lights) come on. After that nothing. The key will turn just the slightest amount after the lights "do" come on but nothing happens (it won't start).

Does anyone have any idea why the key positions are suddenly messed up? As I said, just a few days ago the car was starting fine with no problems regarding the key position(s).

Thanks,
DieselClan

P.S. I apologize if this topic has been brought up before but I searched and couldn't find anything similar...

Sounds like a good chance the electrical contacts in the ignition switch have become defective in some fashion.

The "ignition switch" is basically three parts:
The key tumbler.......which fits into the steering lock............and mounted to the back of the steering lock is the actual electrical switch. If your key is turning to all positions, then I agree with Barry that it sounds like the electrical switch. (~$25)

(Also, there is a vacuum switch mounted to the steering lock.)

Fwiw
 

You said something about the key only moving slightly towards the right?

You might want to try wiggling your steering wheel & see if that helps. Mine sometimes "jams" when the wheel is sorta hard over - not necessarily in a hard turn, but kinda binding a little. I grab it & wiggle it some & the key slips right over into the starter position.

Does that make sense? Try it & see if that works for you..........

Snow
 

dagObx- I understand what you're talking about but the steering wheel isn't locked up. That happens alot on my brother's 85 CD. That's the first thing I thought about but the wheel moves freely.

At least I now have an idea of what it might be. Unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined AT ALL so now I have to tow it to the mechanic who is on the other side of town (about 20 miles away). As long as its a fairly inexpensive fix I'll be happy as funds are very tight right now. It doesn't help that the transmission needs to be fixed (not quite sure what's wrong with it). Also, the Climate Control is screwed up and the cruise control doesn't work either (I'm hoping its just the control stick-arm as it won't move easily).

And I don't know how all you northerners put up with the snow but I feel I've neglected my baby having to leave it parked outside my apartment. It got a pretty good accumulation of snow on it yesterday (Thurs.). Sad thing is this car was a Florida car up till this year- the first time its ever been snowed on. Hopefully it won't snow again this winter!

Thanks all, enjoy the photos (hopefully they go through).

-DieselClan

Inexpensive Mercedes repairs
 

If you can't DIY some repairs on your car it can get expensive to own, in a hurry! I'm trying to think of an inexpensive repair at the mechanics. The only thing I can come up with is the 80 amp strip fuse to the glow plug relay.

Fuse $1.29
1/2 hour labor $45

This site is loaded with information. If you spend some time searching and reading, you can do some basic work on the car yourself.

Good luck,

Chris

Hello DieselClan -- sorry about your problem and not to make lite of it...And since you're receiving great help from the 'techy' dudes of this forum ---- I now must inject my lite sided 'twisted' sense of humor because smiling and laughter are a HUGE influence in our lives, and thinking --- So here ya go:

Did you every stop to think, that your 'baby', being a Florida car, may be having an 'automotive emotional breakdown' :mad: due to the snow --- She's never seen it, never been in it - and just simply doesn't know how to react....Talk therapy can be really beneficial-Pour her a glass of warm ULSD, sit back and encourage her to open up and talk to you. :D Ok - Next caller....

Seriously - Hope you can resolve the issue - This forum is the BEST at helping to diagnose problems and making the repair as painless as possilbe. Hope you have a better day.....