Author Topic: Car starts in any gear Automatic  (Read 1356 times)

dpreston Virginia

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Car starts in any gear Automatic
« on: October 06, 2019, 11:35:49 »
My 69 280SL will start in any gear I put the shifter in. Of course it won’t start in 4 but the car will move.
I assume a switch is bad or needs adjusting.
Any help would
Be appreciated.
Thanks
190SL 1960 Sold
280SL 1969
280SE 1969 cabriolet
Vette 67
Porsche 912 67

Pawel66

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Re: Car starts in any gear Automatic
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2019, 12:51:33 »
If you turn the key and starter works (cranks or tries to crank the engine) in any gear selector position - you probably have that switch misadjusted, mechanically disconnected or electrically bypassed. The switch on firewall cuts off power supply to starter switch when gear selector is in position other than N or P.

I would start from having a mirror or someone watching how the switch is operated when you move the gear selector lever.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

ja17

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Re: Car starts in any gear Automatic
« Reply #2 on: October 06, 2019, 15:30:04 »
Check the control cable that works the switch also, it can bend, break or seize. Have someone move through the gears as you watch the switch on the firewall for full travel.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Shvegel

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Re: Car starts in any gear Automatic
« Reply #3 on: October 07, 2019, 12:38:56 »
My cable broke at the transmission.

dpreston Virginia

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Re: Car starts in any gear Automatic
« Reply #4 on: October 07, 2019, 14:26:57 »
Thanks for the replies I'll work on the suggestions this week and report back.
190SL 1960 Sold
280SL 1969
280SE 1969 cabriolet
Vette 67
Porsche 912 67