111 start probs - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

opossum · #1 04-10-2004, 05:53 PM

Hello all,
before I took my car in to the shop to have the axle swapped, it started fine. The guy did the ol' "since I'm here I might as well fix this too" thing regarding brakes and such. I said no and did them my self but now it is sitting in my driveway with no apparent juice to the starter. Is there an obvious place to start? Is there a switch that might have been disabled such as a neutral/park tranny type switch or something obvious like that..I dont know where to look for that though....
thanks, O

300SDog · #2 04-10-2004, 06:23 PM

Check the key/ignition switch..... i once had a finbody with tricky key switch. And the fuse box plus any wires at/near the brake master cylinder coming through the firewall. It could be something really simple - even a loose battery ground.

Assuming you are getting ignition - but no start - the starter motor is easy to jump by mainlining a wire from the battery...... or you can short the connections with a screwdriver. And fiddle with the shift lever too. Its an automatic, right? Standards dont have neutral safety switch.

opossum · #3 04-10-2004, 08:23 PM

Thanks Bud,
I suppose it could be coincidental that something else fouled up during its stay at the shop. I.E. ignition switch. It is automatic so I thought maybe they disconnected something down under. All the fuses look good. I will recharge and reclean all major connections and check the switch itself..not today though. It is dumping snow right now..typical high desert stuff. a couple days ago it was nearing 70.

Tomguy · #4 04-11-2004, 08:34 PM

I dunno about your car but I know mine has a neutral safety switch... try jiggling it around in park while holding the key in start, and if it still doesnt work, try neutral. If it still won't go, look underneath for broken or disconnected wires.