Help!

[n/a]

Had my '71 280SL for a few months now, its been running like a champ - been driving it the entire last week.  Today, got home, killed the engine, ran inside to get something, jump back in the car, turn the key, and NOTHING.  Not even a tick, tick.  I've checked everything I can think of and can't find anything loose.  Is there some idiosyncracy that I'm missing here?

[ja17]

Hello,
If your car is an automatic, the neutral safety switch cable may have snapped.
Move the shifter in and out of gear. Try starting it in different gears.
If your car is an automatic open the hood and locate the switch. It is on the firewall on the driver's side. It is a flat Bakelite switch with wiring plug connection, a wire cable and linkage end attached to the switch lever. Have someone move the shifter in and out of gear. The lever should move. If not manually move the lever to different positions until the starter engages when the key is turned. Be careful the car can start and drive in any forward or reverse gear until the problem is fixed.

If your car is not an automatic this does not apply. If the switch is not the problem we will move onto the next check.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[n/a]

Many thanks - I'll try it out first thing in the morning and let you know

[n/a]

You're a genious, Joe - the wire connection right at the switch had come loose.  I never would have known to look there.  Mucho Gracias!

[ja17]

You're welcome Frank! We lucked out and got it right the first try.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio