What are the symptoms of an ignition switch going out? Im having an intermittant starting issue today. The first time, glowed, then turned the rest of the way, the starting stuttered once, as in the engine began to turn over then paused and then continued and cranked right up. I drove a mile or so to the post office, was inside 10 minutes, came back out, and car stuttered and then stopped turning over completely. After a few more tries, car starts up fine. Back home, its still doing the same thing. I basically have to just turn the key over and over again waiting for it to start.
starter? neutral start switch?
Battery is fine, 12.5 sitting, 13.75 idling. all fuses are brand new.

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1980 300D

First thing to do to diagnose a bad starter is to try starting it with your headlights on (at night or with someone watching). If the lights dim quite a bit or go out completely, the starter is drawing too much amperage due to a failing solenoid or drive.

I have recently had to battle my own (83 300DT) starter's top mounting bolt and have a way to make a tool from a combination of Harbor Freight items that will cost you way way way less than the $72 special flexible 10mm socket ending currently on the market. If you end up having to change your starter from this, I'll give you the scoop.

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Garrison R.
'83 300D

If it comes to that, then ill definitely want the scoop on that. Not long ago i put on new battery cables and a fresh battery as well. Sooooo, unless this one is just not getting the right amperage to the starter, then Im going down two paths at once. Gonna check the amperage tonight.
Anyone have anything bad to say about Autozone/Advance starters, if that is the issue? I would have to put one of those in this weekend if so.
Im just not sure if its gonna be the starter since its so intermittant, but when it starts to turn over, she fires right up. Most starters that have gone out on me, just died, didnt show these symptoms.


edit: checked the starter vs. headlight dimming scenario. no problem there. headlights stayed perfect.

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1980 300D