Damn cold! 94 E320 won't start!

[edge]

My son calls me and tells me that after having lunch, my 94 E320 won't start. So I go to jump start him, but car doesn't turnover. I call 1-800-222-0100, the mercedes Roadside assistant and he shows up 20 minutes later and tells me my battery is good. He also tells me that it's out of the warranty period so I have to pay to have it towed to MB. He advises me to have it towed to my own indy, which I do. Now I am waiting for the diagnosis. Any comments?

[stevebfl]

Sounds broke to me... could be the alarm system, could be the k38 starter lock out relay, could be the ignition switch or steering lock, could be the starter. Or it could be any of the connections inbetween. But if it isn't intermittant, your technician shouldn't have much trouble figuring it out.

[Arthur Dalton]

With the zero degree weather you are having, a likely probable is the Neutral saftey switch on the left side of the transmission.
Due to their location , they are suscepticle to moisture ,which
freezes inside the switch and holds the contacts open..
Try 'N' instead of 'P"
A hair drier on the switch for a few min. does the trick if this is the problem.

[MikeTangas]

Does it give a sort of dead thunk on turning the key but you hear the starter spin with a whir (and the starter doesn't engage the ring gear)?

Sounds like a sticking starter solenoid due to the near to below temps.

[edge]

I tried the "N" start, no difference. I don't hear the "thunk," just the throttle connection. Thanks.

[Jackd]

I'll can fix your problem very quickly.
It was -36deg. here this morning. My car was parked (outside)since last Thursday and the warmest it got since I parked it was minus22deg
This morning, I simply pressed once on my remote starter and vrooooooommmmmmmm. without any hesitation.
How about a even trade with my 1989 260E with 278K on the clock. (regardless of the problem you have)
Jackd

[edge]

Jackd, what the condition of your ride? I'll trade you a 84 300D for it if it's in good shape.

[FatBoy]

Would it be frozen fuel line? Happened to a friend here and a bottle of gas antifreeze solved his problem.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

[Jackd]

Edge: you must be kidding RU?
A 85 300SD for an 89 260E. Thanks but no.
My car, althout the speedo is a little on the high side, is in excellent shape after I invested over $4,000. on it last summer;
Shock, suspension bushings, rad, water pump, valve guides, brakes, full tune-up, flex-joints, transmission and engine supports, etc. etc.
Good luck with your no-starter.
jackd

[edge]

Jackd, it's actually the 84 300D I would part with, not my 85 300SD. My indy checked everything, replaced starter, costing me $321 which includes the towing. Glad to have it back, with these extreme temps, we can't get by with 2 diesels. Sometimes I forget to plug them in for an hour.