380SL - Instrument lights work but no ignition
 

My 1982 380SL was taken for a ride and parked, then about an hour later refused to start.

The instrument panel shows lights (as well as the headlights), indicating battery power but nothing happens with the turn of the key - not even a clicking sound.

The first thought would be the neutral safety switch but there never was a tendency for that to act up - unless it has simply failed.

Any thoughts? I need help on this one.:confused:

The current path is from Start on the ignition switch, through the Park/Neutral safety switch on the trans, then to terminal 50 on the solenoid.

So start if you have current on the violet wire at the starter, then you probably have a bad solenoid. If you don't have current, then work your way back to the ignition switch.

Another possibility is that the ground strap between the starter and frame is broken or severely corroded.