My 1985 300TD wagon has a very occasional 'attitude'. It is so occasional that its very difficult to diagnose. Once in a while it simply won't crank. I've tried all the tricks (Try it in neutral, wiggle the shifter, etc). BUT then it always starts when I come back to it, so I can never diagnose it.

My question has to do with HOW to jump it using 2 of the 3 wires on the right fender wall. WHICH two of the three wires need to jumped?

Also, will a NSS from a 83 300D euro swap with my 85 300TD gray market wagon?

Thanks

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

There r 3 terminals in the black box on the right fender. They r in line perpendicular to the battery.

U want to jump the furtherest 2 from the battery. So naming them 1,2,3 starting from the battery side, U jump 2 & 3.

Check for lateral play on ur neutral safety ( Is there any play - door to door as oppose to front to back).

Also check the 2 bushings on the linkage.

Thanks:

I'm going to try to jump it next time it happens.

Don

__________________
DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Yes, I've dealt with this a number of times. You can't go as many miles in a 123 as I have without experiencing it. I simply used the end of my tire tool to bump the starter by shorting the two terminals described. After bumping it that way, you can almost always then start it with the key, if not, bump it again. Don't stand there with those terminals shorted until it starts.

To fix this, simply replace the starter solenoid. Get a Bosch brand solenoid. The last time I bought one it was about $30. If you have a really cheap rebuilt starter, the end play is probably not correct in which case a new solenoid probably won't get the job done. In this case get a rebuilt from the dealer. Once it wears out, a new solenoid will fix it.

Good luck,

what is the best thing to 'jump' the screws on the fender well with?

edit: sorry didn't see your reply larry b4 my post. by 'tire tool' what do you mean? is it insulated in some way that you don't get 'zapped' ?

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Okay, first time to experience this. I'm in an 82 240, just walked back out after reading this post to find the three terminals. By right fender, are we talking about the passenger side? I can't find it on mine. I've got a big black box with two relays on the driver's side - don't see the three terminals there either.

I haven't had a lick of trouble out of this car for the month I've been driving it. Just started today. I might try my wife's key (saw a post that had a fan problem fixed by using a different key, maybe it will work for me).

Anyway, somebody please point me to the jumper terminals on an 82 240 quickly! I'd like to leave work!

I've used insulated needle-nosed pliers....

ahhh..(penny drops) yes , i think i have some of those ..

thanks!

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP