When I turn the key on, glow plug lights for only a second or two, and then when turning all the way, nothing.... what do I look at first?, second? please?

thanks

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Austin, TX
81 240d dd
89 560sel sold

Try some jumper cables. Maybe your battery is down.

could be a bad/missing/torn ground strap from the left side of the transmission bellhousing to the body

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1981 NA 300D 310k miles

See above. I had this same problem years ago and unnecessarily replaced a starter before finding out it was just a bad ground. Suggest you unbolt the ground strap that goes between the tranny and the frame on the driver's side and clean up the contact points really well; put it back together all clean and nice 'n tight.

Otherwise you might have a neutral safety switch issue (which could actually be caused by bad shifter bushings). Try moving the shift lever to neutral and see if it starts there. Also you can bypass the neutral safety switch by putting a jumper beteen the two heavy wires - one purple, the other white and purple - the connector is just to the right of the top of the go pedal.

Also check to make sure the connections at the battery are tight and clean.

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Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

If the battery is hot the lights will stay bright while hitting the starter. If it is hot, use the end of your lug wrench to momentarily short between the big post on the starter solenoid to the big post on the starter. The starter should spin a little without engaging the flywheel, THEN try the key again.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

Check that you have continuity in all wires leading to starter my 300 SD had a broken end where it attached on to the starter and it could not be seen looked good until I tested it. Went thru everthing else removing starter, checking ground, bypassing neautral safety switch. Should have checked continuity in wires first it was an intermittant problem but I finally found it.