Diesel RVs: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Could all my symptoms be an ignition switch, neutral switch? ( w126 )

IF you got started at below zero F, well that is amazing. Did you have a block heater plugged in? If you dont get one, best thing for these cars in winter. My 240's would never start(un plugged in) anywhere near zero, unless it's zero north of the border then it's only 32 degrees. The starter issue, my 240 does that whenever it gets cold. It will be turning over normal and then it will start sounding like its being torn apart, so I will turn off the key and try again. I dont drive my Mercedes in winter usually because its too cold. Max

On Sat, Feb 1, 2014 at 9:24 PM, <ajrn@hotmail.com> wrote:

Okay...

My '84 300SD has NEVER been a pleasant to start vehicle..

Plenty of compression, valve adjustment.. Working glows..

This winter has been colder-- and I think I may have stumbled on a secondary issue..

Earlier this week, I got the car started in subzero temps..

On my trip across town-- I kept hearing a noise, that I couldn't identify-- but it was loud enough to not be ignorable.. Turned out my starter was engaging "inappropriately..." Luckily it only destroyed the starter (bendix gear) and not the ring gear on the flywheel.. Yes-- I will be thanking GOD for that, for some time..

I had someone else install the starter.. It was too cold to do it, without a heated garage... I paid an hour labor..

When I picked it up, I noticed the blower motor didn't come on.. "Hmmm... What's up with that.."

I came to realize it was not the "blower motor" fuse, but the "control" fuse, that was blown..   Okaaaay.. I guess those fail... (shrug)

I replaced it, drove across town.. No issues..

Pop.. Okay.. This is a problem... But, now I'm away from home-- it was then I realized I had a bigger problem..

The new fuse turned on the "reverse/backing lights."   Uh-- a little bit, even with the car not running, they became brighter once the car was running..

...this continued, despite any position of the gear shifter-- but only key "on."   (or in the "engine run" position..)

Tonight-- I heard it trying to engage the starter again...

SOOO.. She's obviously parked, until I get this nightmare behind me..

I'm assuming it's either the keyswitch, or the neutral safety switch... Leaning toward the later-- as I assume that would suppress the starter AND is part of the "reverse" lighting circuit..

Anyone familiar with this scenario-- who can guide me out??

Thanks in advance.

Anthony