My 81 300D will not start in park. The key turns all the way, but no fire.

So, I have to put it in neutral and it will start no problem.

What next?

Thanks, Phil

Sounds like your Neutral safety switch is out of adjustment. This switch only allows the car to be started in park and neutral.

RoyBoy49

If it isn't the neutral safety switch, I would venture a guess that the transmission linkage bushings are shot. Is this a floor shift or a column shift? In either case, try lifting the lever (column) or pushing the shifter forward (floor). Then while holding it up/forward try to start.

My bushings are shot too, and unless the shifter is very carefully placed, the parking pawl will not catch, this allows the linkage to move just enough that the safety switch does not allow power to the starter.

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Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5

[This message has been edited by MikeTangas (edited 07-11-2000).]

I'll bet you guys hit the nail on the head
with linkage bushings. It is a floor shift. I have also noticed shift is very loose, to
the point where sometimes I can't actually
tell what gear it is in if I wiggle it some.
ALSO, I forgot to mention I HAVE to put parking brake on or it will roll in park on a hill. It goes "click, click, click" while rolling
Will check it out. Thanks

Well, with the rolling and "click, click, click" I'd settle on the bushings and a possibly damaged/broken parking pawl.

Be sure to keep the hand brake adjusted and use it religiously. As TexBill experienced, I too, woke up one fine morning to fine my Benz in the middle of the street. Good thing I live on a quiet road with little to no traffic at night.

The bushing are cheap, getting time to replace them is the toughie.

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Mike Tangas
73 280 SEL 4.5