W210 e300 turbo diesel 606.962 won't turnover
 

My father has been given a 1999 e300 but it won't start. The key puts on ignition and glow plugs but when you turn it to start nothing happens. I think it could be a relay or even gear selector sensor as it's automatic. AnyOne any idea where to start fault finding? Car turns over No problem when given power direct to starter motor but obviously doesn't fire as No fuel is commanded to be injected. Please tell me if I am talking rubbish!

The neutral safety switch might be the problem. Try starting in neutral instead of park, or moving the shift lever a bit toward reverse to see if it will crank. As you suggested it might be the relay box which is the most forward unit in the computer box on the passenger side under the hood. Check the fuses on the relay box. It also could be the electrical part of the ignition switch, probably best worked on by a knowledgeable mechanic as the steering lock can go off and be hard to recover from.

Paying for a proper diagnosis willl be a lot cheaper than throwing parts at it. The key, switch, alarm, shifter and engine module all need to jive before the car will crank.

Ok thanks guys. Useful info.

It may have a relay behind the fuse box,should be pink.

http://youtu.be/eB0iCiIeH9k
Try this first. The k40 relay is the root of all sorts of stalling and no start problems on the w210.

Thanks, I run a e300 so I May even swap the relays