82 300TD - Starts in Neutral but not in Park
 

My wife's 300TD just decided to not even turn over in Park however I was able to start in N just fine. I hear clicking from behind the climate control when I try to start.

Definately not a battery or Starter/Solenoid symptom.
I checked all the fuses etc, as I recall from my 113, there may be a switch or relay somewhere ?

I don't have manuals just yet, any help is appreciated.

Thanks

-dave

I would suspect a sensor that detects what gear you are in is malfunctioning...Uk spec cars generally have a microswitch that senses when the gearstick is in P and also another that senses for N. Maybe thats where your fault lies...

Could be the neutral start swtich on the left side of the tranny but my guess is that you need new bushings in the rod that goes between the bottom of the shift lever and the neutral start swtich. If there is more than a couple mm of fore-aft freeplay in the shift lever, it's time for new bushings.

Sixto
87 300SDL

Should be called the neutral safety switch.

I had the same problem once.
Replaced the Neutral Safety switch and everything was OK.
Do a search on Neutral safety switch. They have the procedure for replacing it here somewhere on this site.

nuetral switch problem
 

As per previous posts: Dirt etc can cause this problem with switch on drivers side of transmission. Try WD 40 spray entire switch area, this worked for me. Good luck, Abe G

As stated, Transmission/Starter interlock switch, or Neutral Safety Switch.
It is a relay (or relays) in the Climate Control system doing their thing. You may not have noticed before the car would not start... :D

My neutral start switch failed on my 84 300d. It would not start in park but would start in neutral. I found the neutral start switch falling apart. I removed the switch and drilled out the remaining rivets. Cleaned out the switch and bolted it back together. I bought bushings that I never used. If you need them E mail.