did i mess something up?

[ned2683]

1984 300SD

this morning while i was trying to start the car i cranked it a few times (not sure if the battery went dead). after i took the key back to the no.1 position to try again the car won't turn over.

i checked all the fuses and they were all good. when i turn the key to the cranking position the lights dim in the interior. yet there is no attempt to turn over no matter what.

i thought the battery was dead but the radio, and interior light still works. and i thought if i am low on battery the starter will start clicking.

what can i look for to corner this problem? is there a relay for the starter i could have blown? or could i have fried the starter? any anvices will be appreciated

[engatwork]

could i have fried the starter

This is possible to do based on how long you cranked it over (ask me how I know). How long did you crank it over with the starter without letting off?

[84300DT]

i did the same thing the other day.. just wait til the starter cools off then try again.
mine got hot from cranking multiple times in below freezing temps..


if the batt is low then you need to charge it prior the next start attempt.

also it would help to know your apprx location a/o current weather conditions.

[ned2683]

i cranked it for about, no more than 7 seconds at a time.

its about 23 F here. so there is no fuse or relay for the starter correct?

ahhh. i hope i didn't fry the starter!

[porkface]

just because the lights work doesn't mean there's enough to run the starter. my money is on getting a new battery and checking the glow plugs. good luck, chuck.

[engatwork]

I would be surprised if that fried it. Get the battery fully charged and try again. Make sure you cycle the gp's for about three or four times. How old are the glow plugs?

[84300DT]

yes charge the batt or if it won't hold a charge then get a replacement and then try again.

[ned2683]

i currently have my battery up in the house and charging it as we speak. i will try again tomorrow. as for the glow plugs, i have no idea. as far as i know they are at least 1 year old (how long i had the car) PO didn't really have a clue.

the weird thing is that the GP lights don't always come on now. it will come on every 1 out of 3 key turns. once it comes on it will stay on for a couple cycles. so i am guessing that means the glow plugs are out? i will do a multimeter test tomorrow.

isn't it funny that we all have the same problems with these diesels? don't u just love em?

[dirtysocks]

My lights, radio, etc. all worked when my battery was too weak to start the car. A new batt. fixed my problem. Good luck.

[ned2683]

so i charged my battery and took it down today. and it was the same deal.

glow plug light came on, then when i turned the key. nothing. the lights were dimming inside the interior and as soon as i let go of the key it stops.

does this mean i fried the starter for sure? is there any overload protection or relay that could be out? i tried changing fuse #10 (over load protection and a bunch of stuff) and it didn't help.

if it is the starter, how much am i looking at here? thanks a lot for all the help guys.

[84300DT]

could also be the neutral safety switch. cycle the shifter/move the car a couple of feet. also try to start in neutral instead of park.

[ned2683]

Originally posted by 84300DT
could also be the neutral safety switch. cycle the shifter/move the car a couple of feet. also try to start in neutral instead of park.

thank. tried it. does not engage.

but i did hear a clicking sound somewhere under the hood. and it clicks as soon as i turn teh key. so i can turn it back and forth and it will slick everytime.

i hope this is a "won't start when cold" symtom.

[84300DT]

ok so it clicks now. great. cycle the key from all off to all the way on. multiple times. that's after a fairly long initial glow. keep on cycling the key . see if that works.

[84300DT]

you could also keep an eye on this thread as well -

Neutral Safety Switch or Key Switch

[stevebfl]

Simple question with many possible answers. The key is in the current that is flowing. The lights dimming is a hint. It means you are hooking something up when the starter engages.

You could have a shorted starter, a locked motor, or a bad battery. A NS switch isn't likely since you say the lights dim.

My first test would likely be an inductive amp probe to see if the starter actually is drawing that current. I would at the same time monitor battery voltage. If battery voltage stays above 10v while putting 300 or more amps through the starter then you have a good battery. If you have 100 amps (not including glow system) or more and no motor movement you have a shorted starter or a motor that don't want to turn.