Just wanted to throw this out. I got into my SD today and turned the key and just heard a click. Not a loud click like a starter solenoid but a faint one like a relay. Up to now there has been no warning signs.

I just had a trans put in so I crawled underneath and checked my Neutral Safety Switch. The wiring looked good and the plug was connected. Gave everything a shake and tug and tried again.

click.

I moved my gearshift back and forth.

Click.

Then I got an alligator clip and jumpers my solenoid to the + battery.

Crank crank crank.

I got back in the car and now it cranks with the key.

Any ideas? It's got to be the ignition switch, NSS or the solenoid or the wiring connecting them.

Intermittents are hard to track so I was wondering if there is a known failure point for a 200k mile w126. I put the clip lead in my tool kit just in case.

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79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles

After a couple of starters and chasing wiring, my intermittent starting problem turned out to be a loose chassis-engine ground strap.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Yep, it's the next step in trouble shooting this type problem after the battery cables are checked.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic

Thanks! Since my tranny was just replaced this might be a solid lead. I saw a big ground braid between the bell housing and firewall right by the starter. I'll crawl under in the morning to investigate further.

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79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles

My intermittent starting issue after chasing all predescribed issues turned out to be a broken small wire going to starter only way I found it was by doing a continuity check on wire.

This sounds like the solenoid wire. Mine checks out visually and with continuity test. I was able to start my car by jumping battery + to the screw terminal on the firewall that hold the small wire leading to the starter.

Since the transmission was the last thing worked on, I will focus on that. NSS and ground braid some to mind.

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79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles

I don't know if the neutral safety switch was removed and re-installed on the newer trans or not. But, there is a specific way to index the switch involving a Hole in the trans housing and a hole in the Switch that you insert a drill bit through to index it properly.

Then there is the shift linkages themselves.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel