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  #1  
Old 10-09-2010, 12:31 AM
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Won't start in P any more, 1987 300SDL

For the last two weeks I've had these issue with my car not wanting to start in P (park) so I would move it into N and she would fire right up. Then I would set her back in P, put my seat belt on and off I went. So tonight I get back from the gym park the car in the garage, wait about 30 minutes and go out to start her up again. She doesn't even crank over, just the half crank like sound. I have a full batter, (tested) just changed both fuel filters three days ago. All the lights on the dash come on like normal. But then she gives me this half crank and then nothing.

I had my boasch (sp) starter changed out about a year ago. So I'm hoping its not that. But I didn't smell anything like it burned up. Is the P & N issue related to this. Someone must have a better understanding then I do.

Thanks for the help.
1987 300sdl

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  #2  
Old 10-09-2010, 12:41 AM
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if it always starts in N but not P it could be one of two things. Either your neutral safety switch is going (NSS) or your shifter bushings are warn and the shift linkage is no longer being pushed far enough to activate it. A quick search will turn up reams of info on both these subjects.
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  #3  
Old 10-09-2010, 12:41 AM
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How much fore aft play is there in the shift lever? There should be none. If there's play, it's possible the bushings in the rod between the shift lever and the transmission have loosened or disintegrated causing the shift gate to be out of sync with the neutral start switch.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124ShiftBushings

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  #4  
Old 10-09-2010, 12:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dude99 View Post
if it always starts in N but not P it could be one of two things. Either your neutral safety switch is going (NSS) or your shifter bushings are warn and the shift linkage is no longer being pushed far enough to activate it. A quick search will turn up reams of info on both these subjects.
I agree with the above.
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  #5  
Old 10-09-2010, 12:58 AM
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There is a great deal of play in my shifter. So I'll have to check out the shifter bushings and the neutral safety switch.

Could it be anything else.
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  #6  
Old 10-09-2010, 01:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Diesel911 View Post
I agree with the above.
I'm Diesel911 and I approve of this message

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  #7  
Old 10-09-2010, 01:12 AM
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Originally Posted by latitude500 View Post
Could it be anything else.
Starter wiring, key switch, muffler bearings...

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  #8  
Old 01-20-2011, 06:50 PM
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So I checked the muffler bearing and the blinker fluid and it wasn't it. So I replaced the Shifter Bushing and we are in business. Thanks everyone.
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  #9  
Old 01-21-2011, 10:48 AM
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And besides the shift ROD bushings, there are bushings in the shifter. Replaced mine a month or so ago and it feels like new.

I'm taking this next week off to clean Betty out of the garage. If you're interested in seeing how the shifter is rebuilt and want to buy the bushings from me, drop me a PM.
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  #10  
Old 01-21-2011, 11:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by latitude500 View Post
...

I had my boasch (sp) starter changed out about a year ago. So I'm hoping its not that. But I didn't smell anything like it burned up. Is the P & N issue related to this. Someone must have a better understanding then I do.

Thanks for the help.
1987 300sdl
You cannot spell Bosch??? That's almost as bad as not being able to spell Mercedes! And you are a professional Greasecar installer?
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  #11  
Old 01-21-2011, 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by andrewjtx View Post
And besides the shift ROD bushings, there are bushings in the shifter. Replaced mine a month or so ago and it feels like new.

I'm taking this next week off to clean Betty out of the garage. If you're interested in seeing how the shifter is rebuilt and want to buy the bushings from me, drop me a PM.
Take lots of pics, and post em on a new thread!
I'll get it pushed to the DIY section!
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  #12  
Old 01-24-2011, 06:38 PM
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im having (OK BEEN HAVING) a similar issue, no longer starts in park, so i hold key to start with fook on brake while running shifter thru shift gate and a few jiggles around neutral and it fires up.

i ordered new shifter bushings and when i went to install them it appears mine are fine... im guessing from what ive read hear and in other threads its the NSS... good news, NAPA sells it for $20 but its not available and sold out nationwide fastlane has it for $71 and my local dealership for $116...

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