300D won't start

[marcmarullo]

Hey Everyone,
My 1976 300D is having a starting issue. I have replaced all ground strap wires, rebuilt the starter and replaced the ignition switch. Usually the car will not even turn over. There is a little black button behind the gas pedal. If I push the button with my foot the engine will sometimes attempt to turn over, and every once in a while, the car will even start. Could this little black button be the culprit? Is that the kickdown switch? Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Mike D]

A little more info please.

Does the starter "click"?

Does it "drag"?

Will it engage/crank with the shifter in neutral?

Do the lights dim when you try to crank it?

The little button you are talking about is indeed the "kick-down" switch.

[marcmarullo]

Okay, the car starts up with no problem in neutral! I guess this points to the neutral saftey switch being the problem! Thanks for your help! If you think the scenario points to a different problem let me know! Thanks again,
Marc

[Mike D]

You gave me the tip off when you said if you pushed down on the button under the acc. lever it would work.

Check the linkage. The only way you can press the button is to contort yourself and twist on the steering wheel.

Has the steering lock been acting a little strange?

[bhahl]

I had a problem similar to this. I just needed new bushings. My mechanic fabricated some new ones and away I went.

Can you actually put the car in park? If not, then this could be the problem. When I shifted into park, the car would roll on an incline.