Forest c280

My 1998 C280 won't turn over when I turn the key and it is not from a dead battery. My mechanic doesn't think it is the starter or the solenoid. He thinks it is the computer (?) that is preventing the signal to start.
Is there a 'starter module' that might be the problem? Location?
I have no idea about this, and I don't want to get ripped off.... Any ideas?
I would appreciate your help..
Thanks!

taz069

When you put the key into the ignition does anything work?? Windows up or down? Dash lights come on? Radio function? If none of these things happen this is a wild guess I would guess that it is the ignition switch.

Forest c280

Everything else works... When I turn the key fully to start ...> Nothing.
My mechanic took the ECU and tried to get Mercedes to replace it, but they wouldn't sell it to him and insisted that they have to instal it. When he put it back,,, The car started right up..!!
My thoughts (HOPE) is that there was a poor connection and by removing and re-installing, the connections were made... Next week I'm going to take it to him and see if there is any computer codes that might indicate what the problem is/was..

taz069

Now that is a new one!! Be thankful your didn't replace a bunch of things first!!! Maybe we all should try that as a first and formost trial and error attempt. Glad to hear you found it!!

Forest c280

Well.. yesterday I 'started it right up' ,went for a drive, returned and washed it. When I tried to start it, NOTHING!
I removed the EMU and will send it off to be rebuilt....
We shall see... (Fingers crossed)....

taz069

Just a thought. Seeing that when after the wash were thier any items wet. I know this for a fact when i take my girlfriends 2004 tahoe thru the car wash and it gets the under side sprayed that big booger runs like crap!!!!!!!! Did anything get wet?

Forest c280

No... The engine compartment was completely dry.. It was the drive that did it.. After the mechanic put the ECM back and the car started, I drove it home and didn't drive it again until yesterday.. However, each day, I 'tested it' by starting it only... But yesterday, I took it for a test drive and then when I tried to re-start it, it failed... so I figure the drive somehow affected the ECM with the actual driving.. (wild guess)....
Anyone out there have a clue?

VikingBattleram

Do you hear any noises like a click if you hold the key turned all the way when it is not starting?

Forest c280

I think I hear a delayed, very soft click/thud... from the passenger side of the engine compartment.. But not every time..

I removed the ECM yesterday and sent it to be repaired... $70 to test it and if it needs repair/replacement, that will be applied towards purchase price of $395. (probably $1500 -$2000 cheaper then Mercedes + labor).

rqw101

My car wouldn't start after I locked the trunk with the key. Turns out it is in the alarm system and locking/unlocking the drivers door corrects the starting problem. Could this be your problem?

0rukidnme

Same thing happened to me...the car turned over, all power options worked, but it would not start. I took the key out, turned it over the opposite way it had been in the ignition, and tried again. The car started. Possibly some problem with the key or the ignition switch I'm thinking. It hasn't happened since.