Ok, same problem on the 85 300TD with no start issues on occasion.

Has happened twice this week. On both occasions, I went and touched two screwdrivers to each other while they were touching the formost two bolts on the passenger fender wall.

BOOM. Started both times.

Does this limit my problem to the key switch? Because if it was a neutral safety switch, you wouldn't be able to jump it right?

Thanks

Don

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Hello Don
The neutral safety switch disables the starter, everything else is normal function.
Edit: disables the key switch starter circuit.
Sorry for the unclear language.

You can bypass the neutral safety switch and jump the starter to get it running.

Will the neutral safety switch from one of the parts cars interchange?

A quick test is to unplug yours, plug in a known good one set for park, try cranking.

this terminal is live all the time, it bypasses the
ignition and the neutral safety switch.
there is a exposed, flimsey wire leading to the
neutral safety switch on the tranmission
that crosses over rough metal edges. when
it shorts out the car wont start from the ignition,
but it will start from the fender terminal with the
ignition on.
mercedes had some engineers that rightfully
should be working for yugo

don

Roy & Notlost....

Ok, I'm starting to get it. Thanks for the help and I'll plug away at it today.

Don

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed