I hijacked a prev. thread but didn't get any hits, so I figured I best start a new one .

Here's the deal - the start position on my ing. switch died. Tumblers are fine, will turn to position 3 & glow - but won't turn to the crank position. I hooked up a remote starter button & it will fire right up - shuts down fine. Now - how long can I expect to be able to operate it this way? I don't have the time right now to do the whole dash removal chore to replace the switch, so I'm hoping I can run like this for a while. ( I had an Alfa that ran this way for about a year until I could replace the switch ) Whaddiyah think?

TIA

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TAZ

'84 300D Turbo - 250+K

Indefinitely.
There's a thread here somewhere with a description of how to clean the contacts in the switch to solve an intermittent connection problem in the start position. I think the thread has 'Starter delay' in the title.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The fuse for the cigar lighter, glovebox light, and THEFT SYSTEM blew on my S350D a couple of weeks ago. It had the same symptoms.

It sounds like your theft system thinks you car is being stolen. When you hook in the remote starter you are probably bypassing the theft system.

Check it out.

-Jim

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1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior.
Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles.
I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership.

Thanx, Kerry - I found that post. I'm thinkin' that the "electrical portion" of the switch is the culprit - key won't move past position 3 to crank & spring back like it used to. When I finally get to it, I'm going to go with that $30 piece from Phil - that's the hot tip.

Jim - thanx for your input but the lighter & g. box lite work.

Ciao, guys

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TAZ

'84 300D Turbo - 250+K

My ignition switch is kind of doing the same thing. I turn it the dummy lights and buzzer come on, it glows but when i go to crank it doesnt do anything.

How do i diagnose the problem?

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