I did a search on adjusting the neutral start switch but there's nothing more specific than "adjust until the car starts."

Is there a more scientific process? My 81 SD has 4 pins in the connector. Can someone describe which make contact or lose contact when the selector is in Park or Neutral?

Better still, are there better key words than neutral, start and adjust?

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

Sixto:

The switch is screwed to the transmission. There is a little bracket that fits between the transmission shift lever and a slot in the switch.. It is held to the shift lever with a screw. There is a hole in the switch and in the bracket -- in neutral, the two holes should line up. Loosen the screw if they don't (best to use very small slip-jaw pliers -- the screw is usually too difficult to access to use a right-angle screwdriver), align the holes (you can use a drill bit or stiff wire, or just eyball), and tighten the screw.

Usually, however, adjustment isn't the problem. Either or both of the plastic bushings has gone, so that the transmission lever isn't in the correct place, or the switch is bad -- I'm on the second one on the 220D in six years (mostly becuase I have to crank it a lot to start it!).

Fairly simply, but I don't think it can be done without jacking up the car.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

Peter,

Thanks for the reply. I just installed a new transmission in my 81 SD along with new shift rod bushings. The neutral start switch assembly has a plastic arm with a tab that fits into shift pivot arm. Adjustment is made by loosening the neutral start switch bolts and pivoting it along elongated holes. I wonder if there's a way to use a tester so I lock in in the middle of its effective range.

Thanks,
Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

>>I wonder if there's a way to use a tester so I lock in in the middle of its effective range<<
Put it in reverse and have someone watch the back-up lights as you turn the switch. This should give you a medium. [ or use a mirror]