Ignition Switch - 84 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 06-03-2010, 11:35 AM

I tried searching but could not find a good post on this.

Its been happening more and more that when I turn my ignition switch nothing happens. Sometimes it takes 3-4 tries b4 it takes. Sometimes it takes on first try.

My theories:

- Loose connection at starter
- Bad neutral switch at tranny
- Ignition switch going bad

Any thoughts or has this happened to anybody yet?

rrgrassi · #2 06-03-2010, 11:51 AM

Does the car go through it's glow cycle?

I need to replace the tranny shifter bushing in my car.

tobybul · #3 06-03-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

Does the car go through it's glow cycle?

I need to replace the tranny shifter bushing in my car.

Thats a good point. Yes it does go thru glow cycle. Then nothing happens when I turn it to start.

rrgrassi · #4 06-03-2010, 12:04 PM

Sometimes I have to move the tranny selector while holding the key in the start position to get the starter to engage. Will the car start in Neutral?

tobybul · #5 06-03-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

Sometimes I have to move the tranny selector while holding the key in the start position to get the starter to engage. Will the car start in Neutral?

Moving/wiggling the shift lever does not seem to help. And Im pretty sure it starts at neutral position.

This is an intermittent problem.

rrgrassi · #6 06-03-2010, 12:35 PM

I would check the bushings and the neutral safety switch first.

tobybul · #7 06-03-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

I would check the bushings and the neutral safety switch first.

bushings???

pawoSD · #8 06-03-2010, 06:14 PM

It could very likely be the solenoid on the starter sticking, so far on 3 of our cars that has been the case. My SD I have driven for 7 years/90k miles with never a single starter issue. Crazy! It is just about the only part on the car I have never touched.

tobybul · #9 06-03-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

It could very likely be the solenoid on the starter sticking, so far on 3 of our cars that has been the case. My SD I have driven for 7 years/90k miles with never a single starter issue. Crazy! It is just about the only part on the car I have never touched.

So did you do anything to correct the sticking solenoid? I hope it doesn't mean taking down the starter.... pleeeeeaaaaase

Last time I did that on the wagon it was a real PIA!!

toomany MBZ · #10 06-03-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

bushings???

There are three bushings on the shifter linkage.
The NSS is located on the transmission, it's the back up light switch too.

Diesel911 · #11 06-04-2010, 01:11 AM

See Posts #7 and #8.
84 300D turbo diesel has power but will not start or crank!?

If you jumper wire the Terminal Block and the Engine Cranks normal the Starter Solenoid is good.

pawoSD · #12 06-04-2010, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

So did you do anything to correct the sticking solenoid? I hope it doesn't mean taking down the starter.... pleeeeeaaaaase

Last time I did that on the wagon it was a real PIA!!

We replaced the starters with good rebuilt ones from Fastlane.

It is indeed a pain to replace them on the W123, on the W126 it is way easier.

tobybul · #13 06-04-2010, 10:10 AM

what made you decide it was the starter solenoid and not the neutral sw or the ignition sw.

pawoSD · #14 06-06-2010, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

what made you decide it was the starter solenoid and not the neutral sw or the ignition sw.

It did it in park and neutral, and worked after smacking the solenoid with something...

funola · #15 06-06-2010, 10:23 AM

I have (on other cars) removed a sticky starter solenoid with starter left in the car and taken the solenoid apart, cleaned and lubed and it worked like new. Water gets in and corrodes the parts inside and also the grease dries up. After taking it apart, a good cleaning with emery cloth and some grease will restore it's function. I don't know if the solenoid on the 123 starter is removable or can be taken apart. That's the first thing I would try before pulling a starter if it were.