280SL Suddenly won't start

[johnshenry]

Our '69 280SL has been running flawlessly for a few years after a new engine rebuild.  Yesterday went to take it to the golf course and it wouldn't start.  A loud click and a whining sound (fuel pump I presume) when I turn the key to the start position.

Put a charger on it over night, went to try it today, same thing.  Put a meter on the battery is was 12.47 volts, and around 12.1 when I turned the key to start so I presume the battery isn't the issue.

Oddly, the taillights and reverse lights come on when I turn the key to the start position, and, I found that I can push/roll the car when it is in D, R or P (?).

Been a gearhead for 40+ years, and have several other antique rides, but confess I don't wrench on this one much (I write checks).  Ideas/tips on what to check next?

[Vander]

If you can roll the car in any gear it sounds like your shifter linkage bushings broke underneath the car.

They are on the side of the transmission, and can be seen easily if you have a way to jack it up and get underneath.

Car won't start because the transmission is not in park, even though the shifter inside appears it is. Neutral safety switch is doing its job.

[johnshenry]

If you can roll the car in any gear it sounds like your shifter linkage bushings broke underneath the car.

They are on the side of the transmission, and can be seen easily if you have a way to jack it up and get underneath.

Car won't start because the transmission is not in park, even though the shifter inside appears it is. Neutral safety switch is doing its job.

That makes sense given the symptoms.  I'll get under there and have a look.  Thanks......

[rwmastel]

These bushings are a common problem.  Use our Search feature on this forum and learn all you need to know.

[Mike Hughes]

These bushings are a common problem.  Use our Search feature on this forum and learn all you need to know.

Type "shift lever bushings" in the Search box and select "Entire forum" in the adjacent drop box then click the blue "Search" button in the top right-hand corner underneath the Pagoda SL Group logo.

[johnshenry]

Thanks for all the tips.  I didn't mention that our 280SL is an Automatic.  Does the "check shift lever bushings" still apply??  Hope to get the car up tomorrow and have a look.  But the theory that it "thinks" it is not in park and won't start makes sense.

[Vander]

Thanks for all the tips.  I didn't mention that our 280SL is an Automatic.  Does the "check shift lever bushings" still apply??  Hope to get the car up tomorrow and have a look.  But the theory that it "thinks" it is not in park and won't start makes sense.

You may not have said the word automatic, but you still told us when you mentioned 'D' and 'P', manuals don't have those.  😁

[Kevkeller]

I am wondering if the spinning sound you hear is the starter turning but not extending and engaging on the flywheel? The voltage dropping to 12.1 volts sounds like it might be the starter motor turning without a load.

Just a guess.

Kevin