Hello,

I just had the flex plate in my transmission changed out (the source of ticking which sounded exactly like exhaust leak) and a couple of days after I got it back, it started "funny". After pre-glowing, I turned the key and it gave a short "chirp" and started. The chirp sounded somewhat like the flywheel and "bendix" not meshing.

I went over to my folks house (shop) to change out the rear shocks and after parking it, tried to start it again, and it gave a one second crank on the starter and then nothing. After this attempt, all further tries resulted in everything else getting power but no sound, no nothing when I turned the key to "start".

I was hoping that it wasn't my starter that might have gotten bound up, so I checked to make sure I could turn the motor over by hand (22mm on P/S pump nut) and thankfully it rolled over just fine.

I then came to this site (it's always been most helpful) and I read lots of good information about how to troubleshoot this problem. Knowing that everything except the starter was powering up, I just installed a new proper sized battery (3 months ago), am charging appropriately, and the starter has always cranked with gusto, I figured it must be electrical.

After reading information, I first tested the starter by jumping it off the 3 wire block and thankfully it cranked strongly. I had a feeling that it might be the Neutral Safety Switch as until it went to the trans shop, it has never faltered when started.

As I had another transmission with a known good NSS, I switched it out (fairly easy) and sure enough, it cranked right up. I've started and stopped it several times and each time, no hesitation.

I just wanted to write this up to help out anyone else that might be having similar symptoms. If I can answer any questions for anyone...don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks again,
Duke1

Mike

More info for those that are having the same symptoms.

I do not know if your cars wiring is the same but I got part of this quote from another Forum concerning a no cranking problem with an 84 300D.

“First make sure the selector is in P or N. Cycle through all the gear positions and try in N and see if it will start.

In front of the battery is a small rectangular box (on 300Ds with turbos). Use a jumper wire to jump from one of the large posts to the small post with the purple wire. If it cranks, you've got an issue with the neutral safety switch or the ignition switch.
(If your Engine does not have a Turbo you may need to apply Voltage from the (+) Batter direct to the Starter Solenoid Terminal.)

Above the accelerator pedal is a 4-wire plug with a harness that runs down to under the accelerator pedal and to the transmission tunnel. Unplug it, jumper across the two purple wires in the female plug and try to start again. If it starts, you need a NSS.”

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel