Ferdie

Good afternoon, My name is Ferdie. I recently bought a Mercedes CLS500 2007. The driving is great, but sometimes (frequently) my car won't start. The ignition comes on, lights and dashboard light and all other electrics work, but the starter doesn't engage. After waiting for anything between 10 minutes and 2 hours it all of a sudden starts again. I have replaced the remote's battery, and the sensors of the timing and the brake pedal. Nothing seems to work. Can anyone assist? Thank you!

vmystikilv

bad starter?

localmechanic

Diagnostic scan test to pull the codes first

Launchstation

Try replacing the crankshaft position senor. It's behind the engine on the driver-side (mounted to the transmission flange, I think), below the coolant temperature sensor. It's a PITA to get to and you may have to remove the MAF sensor and air filter housing to give yourself enough room to maneuver.

unlukky

+1

localmechanic

Why are you guys telling the OP to replace the crank sensor when he clearly stated that is does not crank? This vehicle needs to be scanned first.

ItalianJoe1

Starters are a fairly common failure on those cars, have it tested (run power directly to the starter and see if it engages) and replace if necessary.

unlukky

I see now where he stated the starter won't engage. I still wonder if its just difference of perspective. Helping someone troubleshot over the internet; you have to do what you can to help.
-John

stoney2013

I had same before and it turned out to be battery. Check the voltage on hidden menu just incase. If you do change battery only do at Mercedes. I made mistake of going to another garage and they shorted my ecu.

Chris Law

i have had this problem , i changed both batteries , brake light switch and starter , it turns out its the shifter module , i have an error thats says gear selection missmatch or something like that , as a band aid fix i removed the safety locks out of the shifter as it will start if i move the shifter between drive and park .
i also noted if i remove the wiring connector from the shifter it would start every time , however you lose some functions like manual mode and paddle shift .

LexBrett2

I have done this PITA job a couple times and never thought about removing the MAF sensor to get more room to work. Good tip!

Dnasty

It could be the eis system. But like was mentioned before I would have them pull the codes to tell you for sure what the issue is. Hopefully it isn't the eis.

LexBrett2

Are you sure the engine isn't cranking at all? This situation reminds me so much of my experience with a bad crankshaft position sensor (code: p0335). Please report back and let us know!