Won't start in park (sometimes)
 

My 95 E320 with 113k miles has now on (2) occasions failed to turn-over and crank when the ignition key is moved to start position. Both cases were when the car was parked on an incline, and both times the car was started after moving the gear shift selector to the neutral position.

The only other clue I have to give is the fact that the alarm system will not activate when the break pedal is depressed.

Where should I look?

two things come to mind. Could be the neutral start switch going south, but more likely you are in need of a set of shift rod bushings.

2 things to check, nuetral safety switch adjustment and tranny mount wear. The mounts will callaspe allowing the tranny to either rise or settle in park on hills, this lets the shifter push or pull the arm slightly, sometimes enough to cause the "p" posistion to go open.



Joe

To add to Joe's post..
Next time it will not crank, move the lever to "N". From N you can move the shift lever foward/rearward while holding key. This helps if shifter bushes are worn. [ can't do this in P cuz you are at the end of travel.]

The contacts in the Selector sw are the same for N and P, but the activating cam is different..so if you get stuck with a no start, this is good info to know... just get it fixed soon as after the N goes , its Ramp Truck City..
Usually, if P is out but N works, it cvan be adjusted [ rotation of the switch.] If that does not get you there, you need a new switch..
They are common failure due to there location makes them suseptical to water/moisture.

Thanks for these suggestions. Where is the selector switch located? And how do I access it?

And as a point of clarification, the incline parking position that get in trouble is a left-right incline, not a front back incline.

Neutral safety sw is on the transmission, driver side , mid-point , just above pan seam.
The fastening bolt holes are elongated for adjustment.

My bet is on the bushings!

:)

Thanks - e320 Neutral Start Switch
 

I replace the neutral interlock switch Friday nite and that solved my intermittent no-crank on my 95 E320. I appreciate all of your help to resolve this problem.

Since I got the car about 10K miles ago, I have

Replaced head gasket (at an independent garage)
brake job (disks, pads, repac bearings/new seals)
flushed brake fluid system
replaced combination relay (turnsignals etc)
replaced aux cooling fans

Car is a pleasure to drive - just completed a 3k mile round trip to WY and back from Chicago area - and now know that this car is ment to cruise.

Again, thanks for the help. I think that I am at the end of must do things for a while (I hope)


Tom Latos
'95 E320
114 kmiles