Stranded
 

I have a 85 300d and it will not crank. The glow plugs were replaced about 5k ago and the battery is about 2 months old. The glow plug light comes on, but when I turn the key nothing happens.
When I first tried to start her, I heard a strange sound and nothing happened. I tried to put it neutral then in park and still nothing.
I did a search and read a jumper wire or 2 screwdrivers to try to start it that way. If that is successful, what could be the problem? Any help would be appreciated, she is stranded in a grocery store parking lot.
Thanks

Charlie

nutral saftey switch, ignition key, wires, fuse, etc. try the junction block and report back.

No cranking can be: (No particular order)

1 Bad Starter
2 Bad solenoid
3 Bad neutral safety switch
4 Bad shift selector bushings
5 Faulty ignition switch.

Have you tried whacking the starter with a hammer?

A quick follow up question, if it were the starter wouldn't there be some symptoms of a failing starter, like not engaging etc.?

So just try to whack the starter? Fuses are ok.

Could be. Sometimes they just quit with out notice. Other times it is some thing along the line that makes us think it's the starter. That is why you trouble shoot to narrow it down. Using the starter jump method by passes the ignition and the nuetral safety switches.

Yes sir.

Engine grounding caused this problem on mine. The chassis-engine strap was loose. You could try connecting a jumper cable from the engine to the battery and see if that will get things cranking.

A good rap to the starter with a rubber mallet, while someone turns the key, may free the bendix if that is hanging up.

Also, a broken terminal connection at the starter could be possible.

Just a hint...
 

That would be from the engine to the NEGATIVE terminal of the battery (you knew that, right?......) :D

Like RR said "wack the starter" I would have someone give it a smack while you see if it'l turn over. Also take the lugs off the battery and clean them and the terminals, use sand paper or a pocket knife, make sure the contact is good.

all this whacking advice is for AFTER the terminal jump method fails to start the car.
if the jumper block works, it's not the starter.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

Dont forget the easiest, most common problem- loose/corroded battery cables

Try putting it in neutral to see if the linkage is loose. Sometime you can turn a car over going into neutral. As always.... dont ask me how I know.......

The power cables to stater and solenoid are on the right inside wheel well in front of the battery-thats where they are on my 85 cd anyway. if you short the power to the solenoid you should here it engage, if you can't hear it probably a bad solenoid. If you can hear it but the starter won't turn starter is bad. A rebuilt starter/ solenoid unit is availible at any auto part store. This happened to my 85 a few months ago. The brushes in the starter where worn out and the front bushing was worn too. Old age takes it's toll. Got my rebiult starter from Advance Auto in a day. Good luck