MB 1987 300d Turbo won't start...
 

When I turn the ignition nothing happens-- there is no sound. Was running like a champ Friday night, and perhaps rainstorm overnight affected it because Saturday evening it wouldn't start. The lights work fine so it's not the battery, but the engine isn't even turning so I'm thinking it might be electrical. I just got my starter replaced 1 month ago, and I opted for a used one. I desperately need help!!!

I would test the battery even though it runs the lights. The starter draws a lot more than lights.

Of course check the connections at the battery cables and the ground straps, both of them and the connection from the plus cable at the starter.

Cheers I just replaced my starter. 87 300 SDL,, When it would not start,, had to tap the solenoid and starter with a iron bar and then it would start.. but this is a sign of bad brushes and or starter solenoid sticking . ended up putting rebuilt one in ,,,in your case I would check if the wires are tight to the posts on starter,, and then try ,,, if that does not work gently tap it and try starting,,, but if taping works,, I'd look at getting a rebuild. also verify battery post connections are clean and tight too ,,hope this helps,,good luck Cheer DD

The starter connection might have come loose.
 

If you just had some work done on the starter that is a likely place to start troubleshooting. There are 2 connections to the starter, the large one going to the battery and the small one going to the ignition switch, it is on the drivers side of the starter solenoid and has a phillips screw holding the wire ring terminal in place. If you first disconnect the battery ground for safety and then tighten the phillips screw up you may find it is loose and not making connection. Reconnect the battery and try it. If it still won't turn over there may be an open circuit in the Ign switch or the transmission neutral switch. Try starting in neutral instead of Park, wiggle the shift lever while turning the key to start. If this fails you can try jumping the small lead on the starter described above to the battery positive with a length of wire and alligator clips. If the starter still won't turn then the problem is in the starter or the starter solenoid. You may find it is easier to access the starter by removing the window washer tank which usually just clips in place. If all of the above is greek to you don't mess with it. Cheers Dan

Is the shifter in Park?

Hi Jen,
welcome to the forum.
As you can see there are many on here keen to help.

I assume you have the lights on the dash when you turn the ignition on.
If that is the case, it may be the neutral safety switch on the trans.
You can hold the key in the start position & move the trans leaver back & forward to see if it works in say neutral.

Failing that you can bridge the system. There is a terminal block on the inside fender that you can bridge to get it to start. Some one else here can probably give you more details on the correct terminals to bridge.

Good luck !!

MB put the junction block REALLY low on the strut tower, right in front of the battery... it's REALLY hard to get jumper wires on it.

Ok, first of all, THANK YOU for all the help. I tried to start it again tonight, and I wiggled the gear shift as a couple of you advised, and ehen i put it in neutral, it started. I tried it a couple more times, and it kept starting! But only while it was in neutral. Starting is good though. Now what?


... I'm broke so I'm trying to some this on my own... I really appreciate the help! You guys are awesome!

Jen

Jen,
It sounds like the neutral safety switch needs adjusting. Not urgent, but should be done some time.
In the mean time, enjoy your car!!!