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+--- Thread: 300SDL won't crank good battery? (/showthread.php?tid=2041)
300SDL won't crank good battery? - Leprechaunliam - 12-06-2010
Hey guys,
I don't know if this is posted in the right place, so let me know. Just looking for some advice since I'm pretty new to diesels. I have an 87 300SDL that was driving fine about a month ago. Went to start it a few days ago and won't turn over (no clicks either). I tried a few things:
Headlights/radio/heater when the key is in the on position - all powered
Jumped the starter solenoid with a bar - turned over (btw is it that a bad way to check a starter?)
I'm not very good with electrical issues unfortunately, so any quick tips I could use to rule things out would be helpful.
I'm wondering if it's as stupid as this, but the reserve fuel indicator light comes on when I turn to the "ON" position; could this be preventing the starter from engaging?
Thanks
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - larsalan - 12-06-2010
Did you try ti start in neutral too? My car sometimes I need to run the gear selector across the range once or twice and/or push and hold it all the way forward in park.
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - willbhere4u - 12-06-2010
The fuel warning light always comes on to test the bulb when starting so you know it's working!
agreed try starting it in neutral
there is a switch on the transmission to keep it from starting unless it's in park or neutral some time it wears out and will only start in neutral
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - led-panzer - 12-06-2010
I had that problem recently, I put it in park and pushed the car forward till it clicked, fired right up
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - Leprechaunliam - 12-06-2010
Thanks for the suggestions; I'll give it a try and let you guys know how it goes!
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - Leprechaunliam - 12-06-2010
I tried shifting a few times, pushing it in park until it clicks...no luck, but thanks. I'm hoping maybe it's a blown relay or something, but just a hunch from reading similar symptoms from other cars. If anyone knows which one it was or had any suggestions, they'd be helpful.
Thanks
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - ForcedInduction - 12-06-2010
(12-06-2010, 10:45 AM)willbhere4u The fuel warning light always comes on to test the bulb when starting so you know it's working!
As a note: That only happens in August 1982+ vehicles.
Under the cap, pointed to by the red arrow, is a purple wire that activates the starter. Jump it from one of the red wires in the same box. That will at least tell you if the starter is still good and start/drive the car until the problem is found.
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - Leprechaunliam - 12-06-2010
(12-06-2010, 06:31 PM)ForcedInduction Jump it from one of the red wires in the same box. That will let you at least tell you if the starter is still good and start/drive the car until the problem is found.
Thanks! I'll give it a try. Also, what's the difference between doing that and jumping the starter solenoid itself?
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - willbhere4u - 12-06-2010
No difference it's just farther away from the starter that's all!
By the way it shouldn't hurt it one bit to jumper the solenoid to start it! Just stay clear of moving part's
RE: 300SDL won't crank good battery? - Leprechaunliam - 12-07-2010
I tried jumping the posts under the cap, however, it was hard to make out which wires were which; the wiring seems like it's stock. There were three posts, and I tried combinations of each of them with no luck. I tried jumping the solenoid again with a screwdriver, and it tried to crank over a few times, and then heard a whirring sound. I'm assuming the starter gear is now done...
I did notice another interesting thing with the car though. There seem to be two door switches on the driver's side if anyone can enlighten me on that? I've never seen that before. This is a new development, but when the top switch is depressed, the center console of the car electricity seems to go out...anyone have any ideas? I'm wondering if the two problems are related and if someone thinks it's a fuse or relay of some sort?