300SE Cuts out

[Walshy12345]

I have a 1986 300SE and lately whilst driving it switches off, which is a bit worrying, i quickly put it in neutral and turn the key and it starts first time any thoughts?

Mike

 

[simon_wall69]

Are the revs falling, or does it happen at any revs?

 

[Walshy12345]

It just dies without warning one minute I'm sailing along the next absolutely nothing

 

[brandwooddixon]

When the car dies are there any warning lights lit or is the dash totally dead?

I only ask as there was one member who had a problem with his ignition switch or key (can't remember which). This was exacerbated by a heavy key ring. If he put the key in one way round and drove the car over a bump it turned the ignition off!

 

[Walshy12345]

it's totally dead no lights at all

 

[brandwooddixon]

Totally dead and no lights at all?

I'd look to the ignition switch first of all.

Do you have any ancillaries that only work when the ignition is on? Say radio?

Also which type key do you have? If it's the flip out key make sure that you've no other keys attached to it (if you have remove them as the extra weight could be pulling the key from the ignition enough to disable the car).

 

[simon_wall69]

Had a similar problem on a ford dorchester once - took all the other keys of the fob and then ran fine.

 

[robparker]

if its an 86 300se it will just have a regular key. Doesn't help with the problem though..

 

[bingodog]

check transmission fluid,if its low top it up ,there again the fluid might be old and burnt ,if so change the fluid completly.