MeganC

Hi,
I'm hoping I might get some kind advice..it's been very cold here in Ontario this past week -10 to 15 celcius. After work late Friday night my ML wouldn't start, the lights did come on and I could hear a repeated clicking, but that's it. The clock also started moving backwards.
Called CAA and they attempted to boost me yesterday, but it didn't work. The technician suspects a starter issue due to the clicking he also heard.
My extended warrantee was up as of this past August and until then, I've been getting the vehicle serviced at the dealer.
Cost is a concern and I'm sure it's obvious that I'm not well versed in auto mechanics! Any advice, or perhaps recommendations for an independent repair shop in Oakville/Burlington Ontario would be so appreciated as I will have to have it towed tomorrow. Or should I have it towed to the dealer and look for an independent after this issue is dealt with?
Thanks in advance,
Megan

phlfly

Well it could be alternator as well. If there is short in an alternator, than car would not start as well.
what you can try is the boost straight to the battery, under the pass seat, if this doesn't work remove terminals from the battery and try that way. If the battery internal resistance is high, it would prevent engine start, even it shows you 12 V at battery.

MeganC

The battery is under the passenger seat! The CAA tech was looking in the back of the vehicle for the battery.
Thank you! I will try to boost it again today.

CLK Group

Sorry to learn about your situation. It could be several things.

I would have it towed to a good independent shop that has all the proper diagnostic tools. Cost savings usually run about 30%.

Just do a search for 'independent Mercedes repair' in your area and then research each finding as best you can.

Good luck and do tell us what your problem was caused by.

Terri Cordeiro

This may be a similar problem as mine! What is similar is that my clock also started turning several hours in reverse and then turned back to the actual time (which was so weird to see). My car (ML350) would not start. Suddenly, I thought the battery was dead or something worse... turns out if I put the key into the actual ignition (under the push button start) instead of just having the keys inside of the vehicle, the car would start! If you're vehicle has the keyless start option - try to put the key into the ignition to see if it starts!

MeganC

Yes, I've just been using the keyless start so I'll try using the actual key tonight. Good grief, if it is a simple fix like that I'd be beyond relieved. I at the manual about getting at the battery under the passenger seat as previously suggested but it mentions cutting the carpet and only proceeding if you "know what you're doing". Which I don't, so I don't think I'll attempt it!
Thank you for everyone's kind input so far��

Terri Cordeiro

Hopefully that's it... curious to see if car starts like mine did

MeganC

Sadly the key attempt did not work..clock moved backwards again and heard that darn clicking sound.

phlfly

Did you try to keep key in start position for the few seconds. I read somewhere, 2-3 seconds and car starts.

clvincent

it sounds to me like your battery is not strong enough to start the car in those cold temps, but i dont know
how old is your battery? these cars need strong batteries

i would have it hauled to a good independant shop

guess it could also be the cps or differential pressure sensor, both of those are cheap/easy fixes i think

justinwrock

If I recall, the clock will "reset" after power loss or low voltage syndrome. I'd strongly suggest jumping direct at the battery, with a good set of cables. Diesels need a good amount of power to crank - cheap cables and/or poor connections might not be getting you the power you need to get it cranked over.

MeganC

Ended up just being a battery issue. CAA came again with a flatbed to tow but wanted to try giving me a boost again first. Different guy this time and he managed to get me going!
Took it to Mark's Auto Service here in Oakville and I'm very happy with the service.
Thanks for the help folks 😊