dougo01

Hi Guys; I hope you can help me. My 2005 C230 Compressor Coupe is giving me starting problems. This is what happens. I try to start the car and sometimes it refuses to turn over. This happens more often than not first thing in the morning.
This is the process I go thru.
1. Insert the key and the car initializes.
2. Turn to the second position and I wait for the stereo and emergency brake light to go on.
3. At the third position all the rest of the dash lights and guages go on.
4. I depress the clutch pedal and turn the key. Sometimes the car refuses to crank. Other times it cranks very briefly...almost like it was flooded. If this happens I go thru the entire process again. The car always starts (probably on the second or third attempt).
I have searched the threads and I've done a couple of things: I cleaned the key and the ignition switch where the key is inserted with alcohol. I also inserted a 20 amp fuse in the #52 position.
Immediately after this, I tried to start the car and it refused to start.
Is it possible there is simply a loose connection at the starter motor, or somewhere else? I am not terrible mechanically minded but don't mind getting a little dirty.
If anyone can help me I would really appreciate it.
Thanks Doug

nrg_mike

Have you had any check engine lights come up? Usually, a light will come on if the car cranks but does not start.
How does the car react after it's warmed up? Does it start regularly or does it have more trouble after a quick drive?
There's a possibility that it may be your crankshaft position sensor. That seems to be a common problem that's been reported on the forums.

Carsy

If it is your original battery it will be 8 years old & very likely causing your problem.

Check for corrosion on your battery terminals & whether the clamps are tight.

Have a battery load test & alternator check at your battery shop or auto electrician .

Good luck.

dougo01

Hi Carsy and NRG Mike: Thanks for your input.
Carsy, I had the battery changed about 90 days ago and we installed the right battery
(MB's specs). But I will get the test you suggest done.
NRG Mike, I have had no CEL light display and I do own an OBDII scanner. The car runs perfectly. No issues at all other than a reluctance to start sometimes.
Last but not least...I'm gonna try using my second key. Should have thought of this before. Will let you know.
Thanks Doug

Glyn M Ruck

If fuse 52 is good you might have a sticky starter solenoid or the clutch interlock is playing up. The start procedure requires interrogation of the CPS & Temp sensor. Make sure both are operational.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ank-issue.html

Also see Wiki:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...t-process.html

With a manual tranny you have the clutch interlock to consider on top of this.

dougo01

Thanks Glyn.
Today I tried my second key and it started right up. I've done this about 4 times today and every time I get an immediate start. So then I went back to my old key, and no problems there either. So a total of about 6 or 7 starts without problems.
Question...is it possible that when I switched the fuse there is some sort of "handshake" that has to happen? Immediately after switching the fuse, I tried to start the car and it wouldn't crank.
So far today, at least the problem seems fixed (I hope). What do you think?
Thanks Doug

Glyn M Ruck

Only time will tell ~ Monitor for a while & let us know.

Fuse 52 is required for cranking but also check 31 & 57. All three are required for start enable.

dougo01

The problem seems to be fixed...no further mishaps so I assume the fuse replacement did the trick.
Many thanks to those who helped me, I really appreciate the input.
Thanks Doug

dougo01

Hi guys. Been a long time and my intermittent starting problems have resurfaced. I've cleaned the key and the ignition area (very carefully). The problem seems to be getting worse. Any thoughts?
Thanks Doug