PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

ksing44 · #6 02-26-2007, 07:22 PM

Thank you J. M. van Swaay and Ferdman,

My car did start in Neutral this time, when it would not start in Park.

Now I have 3 more questions:
1. Will I always be able to bypass the safety by going to Neutral, or will it finally fail completely?

2. Do you think it is possible that I just need the neutral safety switch, or does this mean I must have an issue with a worn out/missing shift mechanism bushing? I am just asking because nothing feels loose or different to me with the shifter, so I wondered if the switch could just fail without any problem with the bushing.

3. If it is the neutral safety switch, which now I guess it probably is, will my mechanics be able to test and diagnose the swtich problem even if it isn't actually failing at the moment they test it?

Thanks again for your help.

Registered User

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. M. van Swaay

What position was the shifter in when the car did start? Also, does the shift lever feel loose/sloppy?

The reason I ask is the neutral safety switch will allow a start in either the "P" or "N" position. It is common for the the switch contacts associated with the "P" position to fail. Failures usually start as intermittant and progressively get worse. If the shifter feels loose/sloppy you probably have a worn out/missing shift mechanism bushing. This can result in the shift mechanism not positioning the neutral safety switch correctly. This will also prevent a start.

Next time you have a problem, try starting with the shifter in "N". (If memory serves me correctly, you will have to insert the ignition key and rotate it to the first click, then shift to "N" and then turn the key the rest of the way to complete the start)

If you can start with the shifter in "N", you have a faulty neutral safety switch.

Please post your results......................