Bayreye

2006 ML 350 has trouble starting. have to turn key multiple times before starting. Has anyone had this problem?

wonmarco

I have my 2011 in the shop for the same reason. So far they have replaced the relay and keys with no improvement. Now waiting for an ignition switch assembly to arrive.

JenniferS

I have a 2003 Ml 500 that wont start. Its cranks but will not turn over...Does anyone have a clue?

AudiA4Turbo22

^^Well, first of all you're in the WRONG FORUM. Secondly, that is very vague information. It could be a lack of fuel due to a bad fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter. It can also be the immobilizer not allowing the car to fire because of a fault.

JenniferS

Sorry for being vague.. I can hear the fuel pump when I get under it and have someone turn the key to on position. I was wondering about the fuel filter too. Do you know where I can find the filter and waht do you mean no fire by falt?

AudiA4Turbo22

Okay if you hear the fuel pump then it isn't the problem.

Do you smell gas after trying to start it a few times?

The immobilizer is essentially the entire anti-theft alarm system in your car. The Smart Key(the key fob) contains a chip inside that communicates with the car allowing the car to start normally. If the key is not recognized the car will not start.

If you crank the car and release the key after 3-4 seconds, what lights are on the dashboard? Like is the Check Engine Light on? or the Battery Icon, etc.

If you are not very mechanically inclined, hop into your car, turn the key and let it crank for a 3-4 seconds and release the key(DO NOT TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION). There should be symbol lights on your dashboard. Take a photo of the gauge cluster with either a digital camera or a smartphone and upload the photo onto here. I will look at it and try and help you further.

JenniferS

No I do not smell gas. And when I try to start it and look at the dash all lights are on..Even when I stop trying to crank it..

AudiA4Turbo22

That's most likely an Immobilizer problem.

It is really difficult to help you out without getting the car scanned for codes.

mbchick0006

I had an issue with my ML before where it wouldn't start. Not sure if it is the same thing but after a few minutes it started. The next day it did it again. Ended up being the crank shift position sensor and I needed a backup battery. It is far fetched since I don't really know what else is going on with your vehicle but that was my story.

JenniferS

Well its been a few months since I first repoted the starting issue... For what ever resaon back then it started up and ran fine all this time. Now today it has done it again.. I replaced the cam sensor today but nothing changed. Anyone have any ideas?? If not I guess I'm getting a scanner soon.

MinnBobber

Could you please describe what happens when you turn the key, exactly...

Does the engine turn over/spin rapidly but does not fire
or
nothing at all happens
or
there is a clicky clicky noise from the starter
or
something else??

Each has a different likely cause.

JenniferS

It tries till it stops. Not turning over at all.. It does spin and not fire/ turn over and crank.

tomtomKK

Same problem. Is there solution for that?

SmokinReefer

Had the same issue with two of my ML's, only the issue was intermittent. After they would stop cranking and sat for a couple hours they would start. In both cases they first replaced the crankshaft position sensor, which didn't work. Both of vehicles were fixed when fuel pumps were replaced.

Tell the service guy to check for voltage spikes from the fuel pumps. My service guy supposedly drove the vehicle around for a few days while monitoring things before they detected the issue.

Make sure you come back and tell us how the issue was fixed.

bevin0708

I have a 2010 ML 350, has trouble starting every day when I get off work.
No problems in the morning, so i am guessing its because of the heat.

No lights on the dash, its completely blank, windows don't work, interior light do comes on.

Anyone had the same problem. Any suggestions?