90' 300TE starting problems

[cgalli]

Hello,
I am fairly new to the forum.

I am puzzled by a no start problem on a 1990 300TE. Here is a summary of what I've done:

1. car eventually did not start in either P or N. removed starter and had it checked. it was bad so I put a new one in. still nothing. engine does not even turn nor solenoid clicks.

2. did test on X27 connector near brake booster. applied direct voltage to center pin on connector (not plug) and car started right up. this means I hooked up starter corectly.

3. noticed bushing gone at rod-NSS bracket, so I put a new one. still nothing.

4. did test on X27 plug this time. hooked up light to center and grounded other end. while holding key on "start" position, the light comes on at Park and at Neutral, and not at other gears. this means NSS is OK, right?

so what next? the car still does not even crank.

for the time being, I can "jump" it be applying 12v on X27, but wife can't do that.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Claudio