I started my car this morning with no problem(83' 300D). Drove to my sons daycare to drop him off and shut the car off while i was inside. When i went to start the car i turned the key to warm the glow plugs. Glow plug light came on for about two seconds and went off. i turned the key and nothing. With key in glow plug on position the tachometer bounces all over andthe other gauges do the same. Door open buzzer and dome lights come on but are faint. Seat-belt light in dash is faint also.It is like there is a weak battery and no starter. This is my only transportation. Please HELP.

Try putting in neutral and start it.

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J.H.
'86 300E

If it was the neutral safety switch would that cause the gauge fluctuations? Also, after the initial glow plug light, now the glow plug lights don't even come on. I have tested the battery and it is bad. i will buy a new battery today. the old battery had 12 volts but no crank amps. would this stop the correct operation of gauges?

the battery was the problem. all systems are go.