380SL refuses to crank

[larryk]

My 1982 380SL was parked after a brief drive and then refused to start. The dash lights all work normally with battery power when turning the key (in park) but the starter never engages.

There were no indications of problems. The car was being used regularly on weekends in Florida. Can someone steer me in the right direction?

Is there a relay or other electrical problem, or perhaps the starter solenoid? If so, where is it located and how do I replace it?

Thanks for you help...

[GermanMarque]

With the headlights on, when you turn the key, do they dim substantially? If so battery has insufficient charge to engage starter solenoid. If that's ok, have you tried starting it in neutral., that would obviate a faulty neutral start switch when they shifter is in park. If the battery has sufficient power and there is no audible click of the starter solenoid engaging, it sounds like a faulty start switch. Try the neutral start, if that fails, it's not the switch. Sorry can't help any further.

[larryk]

The battery is new and the lights do not dim while attempting to start the engine. The car will not start in park or neutral.

I have read there is a switch at the key location. Also, if the starter solenoid is bad where is it located? On the starter?

Any other ideas? Thanks in advance for your help.