No fire to coil

[catjim813]

To all I have a 69 280sl that has been sitting at the body shop for two months car would start with no problems but today it would not.   I used a wire from the battery to the coil and she fired right up.   Where do I start to fix this issue?   Never had an issue before. 

[ja17]

Hello,

It could very well be a wire on back of the ignition switch.  Mercedes uses the ignition switch, Maybe you could reach bacvk there and jiggle some wires to verify. unfortunately you may have to remove the speedometer to tighten the screws on the wire ends at the switch if that turns out to be the problem. Double check everything before going to all the trouble.

[Benz Dr.]

Have you checked to see if you have voltage at the ballast resistor?

[catjim813]

I will double check wires behind switch. Also to Dr Benz using the test light I have no power at the ballast resistor either.   I hope i am looking at the right thing close to the coil white with two wires correct?    Thx for the replies I am desparate for the help.

[Larry & Norma]

Just a thought, do you have an immobiliser installed?

[catjim813]

Still cannot get car to start.   Nothing is loose on switch coil and ballast resistor replaced.    Any one ever had this issue?    Car now has paint but I am stuck not being able to start the car.

[ja17]

The electrical section of the switch could also go bad. Not likely though. You'll have to get a wiring diagram and just follow the trail from the battery.

[Benz Dr.]

Did you look at the neutral switch? If it's not in the right position there will be nothing going to the starter. I believe there's an extra wire coming from the starter that goes to the ballast resistor which will bypass this resistor while starting. This still doesn't exlain why you have no power going to the coil.
 

[catjim813]

To Dr Benz..  it is a four speed.   Have done most of the work to take the ignition switch out.  Cannot get it to release from the steering column.  Is there a special trick?  I have loosen the clamp completely.  Cannot get it to break free  HELP.........

[Benz Dr.]

I can't remember for sure but I seem to recall a small button that I had to push in so that the locking part of the switch would release. You may also need to undo the strap that holds the column in place. ( I think )
Can't you just remove the electrical part of the switch from the back of the lock? There should be three small screws that hold it in place. I don't think you need to remove everything, just the switch at the back.

[catjim813]

It was the ignition switch....    Wow   thanks to all of you for your help!!!!!!!