Charlie,
My 1984 300D also failed to start last Wednesday, just as it seems yours has, with no response whatsoever after turning the key (as I have seen before when I forgot to put the car in park, in fact at first I had thought that was the problem), so I have been following this thread ever since and have had some success. Here’s what I have found so far:
First, my positive battery cable was very loose and frayed, so I replaced the end with a new clamp-on type (although I am certain that had noting to do with the problem).
Next, I followed the instructions posted here and elsewhere regarding the starter jump method, following these steps:
- I turned my key to the #2 position (gauges, glow plug indicators, etc. all perk up).
- I then went to the small plastic box on the right side, a foot or so in front of the battery, & removed the plastic cover exposing the three screws.
- Using an insulated needle-nosed pliers, I touched the first small screw and the next larger screw and could hear what I assume is my glow plug relay clicking on and off, but no response from the starter.
When this procedure failed to turn the starter over, I did a little more research here and found the following post from LarryBible:
Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryBible
When this happens, use the blunt end of the lug wrench to jump between the lug that goes into the starter motor proper, and the bottom lug of the starter solenoid. Make this a momentary jump. THEN try starting with the key. You are basically turning the starter just a little and it will usually allow it to work for awhile thereafter.
If this works, and I expect it will, it is time to change the solenoid and adjust it with the eccentric so that it will catch every time.
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At this point, I wasn’t even sure where the starter was located or what it looked like. I had also never even seen my jack or lug wrench (so far, I have always been able to use a set of ramps for any sub-chassis maintenance). After I located both of these, I put the front end up on stands and located the starter on the right side of the car, not far behind the oil pan. I found no connections on the starter itself, but there was a small exposed wire lug on the solenoid, as well as a larger lug covered by a rubber boot. I carefully peeled back the rubber boot and using the blunt end of my lug wrench I quickly jumped the smaller lug with the now exposed larger one, just like the man said (thinking I may get quite a shock from this, I was wearing mechanic’s gloves at the time). I did get the momentary jump, as described, and was then able to start my car with the key.
So, like I said, I have had some success. Unfortunately, I’m guessing this now means that I have to replace the solenoid and it seems that in order to that, the starter needs to be removed as well.
My question now to anyone else who may be monitoring this, since removing and reinstalling the starter appears to be somewhat difficult, does it make sense to just go ahead and replace the starter at this time as well, or am I missing something?
I hope this helps,
Chris