Problem started when I shut the car down, my TE by the way, and had a heck of a time getting the key out of the ignition. When I returned I could not get the key to turn at all until after jiggleing it for 10 minutes it reluctantly turned. It goes to start, but nothing happens. Like the shifter is in gear or something. I have the ignition out and am wondering if there is a test for it. With the problems I was having I suspect the ignition but would like to make sure before I order one. Probably a 3 or 4 hundred dollar item. Any thoughts ?

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

<< It goes to start, but nothing happens>>

Want to explain that ?

Sorry, I meant it goes to the start position on the switch, but acts like I have it in a gear or something. I tore the switch apart tonight and think there is definately a problem with the mechanics of the switch. The more I dissasemble it, it becomes easier to turn. I have lubed all the surfaces that ride on each other, but no change. `I am going to order a swich in the morning and will report on the outcome. In the meantime I have to drive the SL,,,,,, sigh.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

Ok, .so you turn the key to start position and nothing [ no starter crabk]

Couple of simple test
Jumper wire from terminal #30 [ red] to term. # 50 [violet ] on ign sw . Starter should crank [ make sure shifter is in N or P ]
If yes, replace ign sw . If no . see is starter will work in 'N". If yes , replace neutral saftey sw.
If niether , pull 3 prong connector on firewall between engine and brake booster, to the left of booster , and jump power from bat + to the center terminal. If yes, starter circuit between ign sw and connector is at fault.
Let me know what is found.

Thanks much Arthur,,,, will try these tests today.

__________________
95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

Arthur, Car will not crank when I jump 30 and 50. Is the 3 prong connector on the firewall a flat plug and the center wire violet/white ? And I cannot get the car into neutral with the ignition out. Is there a way to get the shifter in neutral by accessing the shifter through the console. Most cars we work on have a way to get the car in neutral by pressing a tab around the shifter.

__________________
95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K