300CE start problem, possibly lock-out

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Mary Contrary - 08 Jul 2007 21:32 GMT

My 1990 300CE refuses to crank when I turn the key. For a while, I could
move the shift lever to Neutral, and it would start, but sometimes not.

A few years ago, suffering a similar problem, I had the ignition switch
replaced. It had become iffy. I also had the lockout switch replaced. I
think it's located at the tranny. But as stated above, the problem is
back.

Hard to imagine that either the ignition or lockout switch have failed
this soon. Wondering if there's any adjustment on the lockout switch
that could have caused it to not make contact.

Would appreciate advice on what to look for or adjustment instructions,
if there are any.

Thanks!

MC

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-->> T.G. Lambach <<-- - 08 Jul 2007 21:50 GMT

Suggest looking elsewhere. How old is the battery? If > 4 years it is a
prime suspect. If not, the starter itself is the suspect.
You can easily test the starter by whacking it with a 2 x 4 or tapping
it with a hammer. If the engine cranks after a couple of blows to the
starter the suspect is proven guilty.

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Mary Contrary - 09 Jul 2007 00:32 GMT

In article <ZY6dnaM40dGy0wzbnZ2dnUVZ_uqvnZ2d@comcast.com>,
"-->> T.G. Lambach <<--" <"T.G. Lambach at NoHamorSpamcomcast.net">
wrote:

> Suggest looking elsewhere. How old is the battery? If > 4 years it is a
> prime suspect. If not, the starter itself is the suspect.
> You can easily test the starter by whacking it with a 2 x 4 or tapping
> it with a hammer. If the engine cranks after a couple of blows to the
> starter the suspect is proven guilty.

Good suggestions. The thing I don't get, however, is that for a while,
simply moving the shift handle back and forth (from Park to Neutral)
while holding the key in the start position would cause the starter to
engage. Battery is fine, however

MC

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-->> T.G. Lambach <<-- - 09 Jul 2007 01:01 GMT

Well, then that Neutral start safety switch is the prime suspect.

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Mary Contrary - 09 Jul 2007 03:10 GMT

In article <bvGdncdku-VW5wzbnZ2dnUVZ_q7inZ2d@comcast.com>,
"-->> T.G. Lambach <<--" <"T.G. Lambach at NoHamorSpamcomcast.net">
wrote:

> Well, then that Neutral start safety switch is the prime suspect.

Thanks T.G. I'll look into it further

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Tiger - 09 Jul 2007 15:57 GMT

I agree with TG on neutral safety switch. Either it is not installed
correctly or it was never changed.

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