Starter just spins
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 5
From: Mamaroneck, NY
1996 C280, 2010 E350 Previous: '52 300 Adenaeur, '59 220 S, '94 C180, '03 C320 4-Matic Sport
Starter just spins
My 1996 C280 has a few issues. About one month ago, the heater hose from head to heater core broke, and coolant was leaking like crazy. I kept filling up the expansion tank with water before it got cold, and then antifreeze. I started it daily to get the water and antifreeze to mix together. The leaking continued (about 1 quart in 10 miles) I went away for a few days, and tried to start it when I got back. The starter engaged for a split second, and then just spins, but it is not engaging. This may be a solenoid problem due to antifreeze leaking just above the starter??? Does my diagnosis sound plausible? I still haven't gotten the leaking solved but do have the parts on order, but now I can't start the car due to the starter just spinning. Any advise is welcome. Thanks
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 5
From: Mamaroneck, NY
1996 C280, 2010 E350 Previous: '52 300 Adenaeur, '59 220 S, '94 C180, '03 C320 4-Matic Sport
I am starting to think this is a Crankshaft Position Sensor problem. It is also right in the vicinity of the leaking. The antifreeze may have damaged the connector. ??
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 5
From: Mamaroneck, NY
1996 C280, 2010 E350 Previous: '52 300 Adenaeur, '59 220 S, '94 C180, '03 C320 4-Matic Sport
It started momentarily, but quickly stopped. So my idea of it being a solenoid problem is wrong. Something is not letting any fuel through. I pumped the gas pedal a few times when it did catch if only for a second or two.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 5
From: Mamaroneck, NY
1996 C280, 2010 E350 Previous: '52 300 Adenaeur, '59 220 S, '94 C180, '03 C320 4-Matic Sport
I think that the antifreeze leaked onto the connection for the Crankshaft Position Sensor. So, I took a spray can of QD Electronic contact cleaner and sprayed the area (generously ! ) And Presto ! the car started. Whew !
