simon852

I've introduced myself as a new member, asking now for help!

The problem with my 1999 E240 is: I had to take the car off the road a few months ago, but have put under proper cover and started/driven every now and again. The last time, about 5 weeks ago, there was just a 'click' from the starter motor. I hit it with a mallet and piece of wood and then it started as usual. The last time though, it just clicks and despite lots of wood and mallet around starter, nothing. Stuck starter? It has an old battery so we connected jump leads direct to the terminals to start, but nothing but a click. Obviously I thought: replace starter motor, but I've noticed that with ignition on I can't move the auto shift out of park. Is that right? I have a feeling that with the ignition on (pre-starting engine) the gears can be selected.

I was thinking of towing the car to a garage but how would we be able to tow the car if stuck in park?

Btw as I live in an ex-park-keeper's cottage, the car was almost doubly stuck in 'park' in a 'park' but fortunately I moved it before this problem became as debilitating as it is now.

Plutoe

Now that is cool---caught parked in a park, by the way is the park one of those by the seaside ones where the tenants are frolicking around without clothes!!

PS:Can you move the key within the igniton module

simon852

I live in the park! Lots of naked activity. That's my house in the background.
Key moves fine, well - as fine as it ever was. Have to remove it, wait, re-insert it, try again, to get the 'click'. Can't re-attempt starting unless key removed and replaced.
By the way, would you know whether the starter on the nearside? It looks like it is, with the Bosch alternator on offside, but I've been told by Merc specialist that starter is on o/s.
I have been wondering about the locked 'P' - I'm not sure I had my foot on brake pedal when trying to change selector. Would that prevent it from moving?
Thanks

Plutoe

Wow wada park---I try to keep my foot off the brake pedal and my wifes legs off the steering while while the shifter is in park caus that's the position where I start my car.

Although I can't speak for your wife, I would pay attention and keep your foot or feet off the brake whilst trying to start the car.

Based upon your starting procedure, you either have a very low battery(low cranking amps) and or a bad starter.

Another question---do you have a metal key or an electronic key?(the answer tells me what level drive authorization system is installed)

simon852

Thanks for the reply and ... info(!)
The reason for brake question is that I might need to tow car if it doesn't start, therefore get it out of P. It's an older selector, no hole to push a pen in.
It's an electronic key by the way. I know the battery's not great but we bypassed it, jumped it direct to the car's battery leads from a mid-sized 4 x 4.

Plutoe

You have two issues--providing enough voltage to allow your key to be recognized and therefore be able to move the shifter------the second the existing battery does not have the cranking amps to start the car.

Why not purchase a new battery or if condition acceptable ---slow charge the existing battery and start the car and carry on as ranger of the park!!

PS There was a recent Morse episode and a park ranger--great character!!

renault12ts

And... just in case it hasn't been answered...you must have your foot on the brake pedal to shift out of P...

simon852

Thanks to both for your advice, battery on charge anyway, will test out when I can get to the car which is at a friend's in the sticks.
Park ranger? You probably know what these are like in mud or snow!
Cheers