I have a 1983 300D TurboDiesel and have had this frustrating intermittent starting issue. Here are the facts:
- Drive car for approximately an hour or in really hot weather
- Turn off car
- Car just won't start - all dash lights go on (glow plug light, too) and starter clicks but nada
- A jump *seems* to work - so does a nap

I have taken her in twice to a reputable Seattle Mercedes repair shop. First time they were unable to reproduce so cleaned off the battery connectors, etc.

The issue cropped up again a week later. I had to call AAA and get jump-started. The AAA driver pulled out his computer and told me battery was only at 12.2 amps after jump and that it was likely the alternator or connection. I took her back to shop and they could not reproduce but pulled alternator and said it was in bad shape so replaced it.

I took her on a 300-mile trip this last weekend and, you guessed it, same thing happened again - three times! First time she eventually started (after 30 minutes with hood up). Second time I got a jump from an SUV. Third time she started after a rest.

So she's got a new alternator and rust-free connections. I would assume checking the battery would be top of their list but who knows! I'm about to take her back again but would love to hear if anyone has any ideas? Or if I should try to find a new mechanic! Looking online I hear solenoid or voltage regulator but if anyone has had anything like this happen to him/her I would greatly appreciate advice.

~Erin

 

when you try to start it, does it turnover, or nothing?

 

Neutral safety switch

it's on the side of the transmission

they get heat sensitive
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Nothing - just a click.

 

Thanks. I had tried to do an emergency start - turn the ignition to second position, put car in Neutral and then pop down to S. Nothing happened. Wouldn't putting the car into Neutral have caused the car to start?

Of course, the irritating part is that, until this happens again, I am unable to replicate. Is there a test I can do to see if the NSS is broken?

Many thanks!

 

the click that you are hearing confirms in my mind that it is the neutral safety switch. (I have had two of these cars do this) moving the gearshift will have no effect at all, when it decides to quit working it quits working.
If you get stuck, there is a terminal strip near the battery with a plastic cover over it if it is still intact. There are three terminals on this strip, I believe with a big wire to one terminal and smaller wires to the other two. If you bridge the connections between the big wire terminal and one of the smaller wier terminals, your car should start. This switch is available on line
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so is it fixed?
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