crank position lost on key switch
 

Hi
my 1983 300dt will not crank over. The key when turned to the crank position has no springback to the run position and no sign that it is making connection to starter. The car will start when the key is turned to the run and the starter is manually triggered from the terminal in the junction box in front of the battery. I have looked in the forum for a fix but have been stumped on this one. Thanks for any help.

Yes I had this one and it is a pain! There is a short Aluminum/Alloy shaft that connects the lock tumbler to the switch. It has a slot in one end to connect the tumbler and a flat tab on the other that fits into the switch. The flat tab twists and that means that you can't turn the key far enough to make contact in the 'start" position. The next stage (soon after) is when the tab breaks right off and you lose the other 2 switch positions as well.

Remove the tumbler and the broken shaft and you can then use a screwdriver to work the switch and start it while you fix.

Remedy:
Find another steer locking mechanism at a P&P and steel the connector or fit the complete lock mechanism. You may have to destroy the P&P lock to remove the connector.
Alternative:
Manufacture a new connector shaft out of steel like I did - then it won't happen again!

... you don't happen to have these for sale or anything do you?:confused:

Sorry, I remember I had 4 made as the company had 4 300D's about 15 years ago. I wouldn't have a clue where they are now:o.

Thanks for the quick answer. The shaft is just pulled out once the lock tumbler is removed?

Yes.