Got 'the dreaded' call from my wife this morning, while I was at work. She was going to take our baby to the doctor, but her '95 E320 (cold engine) wouldn't start. Never an issue before (90k) - never a sign of a no start. I had her try and start the car in neutral, and in park moving the shifter lever all around. No luck.

Got home and got the car up a bit so I could check out the neutral safety switch. I was able to fiddle around with the "white, moveable" ring that fits against the outside of the switch (I believe the ring moves with each gear selected). Anyway, after a crawling under the car and back up - fiddling with that ring - it started. Went through all the gears (idling in the garage), put it in park, and tried the ignition again. No start. Again, fiddled around quite a bit (maybe 30 minutes worth) and got it to start. I immediately shut off the engine, crawled back under and took a mental note of where I adjusted that 'moveable ring'. Got back in the car - started again. And again. Then, nothing.

So I pulled the switch - and cleaned the contacts. Didn't have to pull it to clean them, really. But I wanted to evaluate it, to see if it was serviceable. Cleaned the contacts and put the switch back on (10mm - two bolts) with no luck. No adjusting this time would work.

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So - I think all I need is a new neutral safety switch. What do you guys think? Battery is charged. Cold engine. All fuses are good. Hear fuel pumps charging. Hear power getting to solenoid (at times). I think it has to be the switch, as I was able to fiddle with it and get a start.

Is the neutral safety switch all I should order? There is a round sensor (male, two connectors) that sits behind the neutral safety switch. The plug 'threads on' like a water spicket/hose. What is this guy? Looks tied in somehow.

Many thanks guys. I do appreciate it! Best regards, 71Rcode