Lights - Action - No ignition
 

The wife's '92 300D 2.5 has been experiencing an odd ignition issue.

When the key is turned - the lights/sounds all seem normal - glow plug light comes on - and then goes off like normal. Turn the key - nothing. Engine does not try to turn over - not a noise.

First time it happened a few weeks ago while she was away from the house and she figured it was a dead battery. She had someone jump the car for her and it started right up. Marked it off as the kids leaving something on and drained the battery.

This morning - same thing happened - but this time at home. I went out and tried to turn it over - same thing. Lights, glow plugs, everything is good. Continue to turn the key for ignition - nothing. Not a noise. Figured it was a bad battery and was going to roll the car closer to the house to charge the battery.

With the key in the ignition - I rolled the car back toward the house. 30 sec's later I have the car in position and reach in the car to pull the keys out. But I say to myself - why not one my try. Turn the key - and the car started right up.

So - what the heck? Not a dead battery?

Confused.

-John

Could be a bad NSS. Try moving the shifter around from P to N or just wiggle it to see if the problem goes away.

Funny - after posting this and driving to work I thought the same thing.

I'll give it a try.

-John

It's also possible that the ignition switch itself is at fault. The starter contact doesn't have to carry a lot of current but it wears nonetheless. If the switch contacts corrode just enough, the starter solenoid won't engage. The switch can be repaired or replaced, about $100. If you get it from a dealer, it will come with a new key and it will match your existing keys. They'll need your VIN. My '96 E300 had the identical problem.

Jeremy