C230 won't turn over
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c230K
C230 won't turn over
The symptoms are: parked the car and the next day it wouldn't start-won't even turn over, just dash lights. I've searched the forums and gotten quite a bit of information, but I haven't been able to track down the problem. The key fob battery was really low and wouldn't unlock the doors from more than about a foot away, so I replaced those batteries and it works fine. After the battery replacement I put the key in for over five minutes to let it reset. I hear a solenoid sound when the key is inserted and I can rotate through all four positions (the fourth being the spring-loaded "start" position). I can move the shifter out of park and the indicator shows the correct gear. The main battery shows 12.5 volts without a load-I did try jumping it to no avail. I checked fuses 31, 52, and 57... all good. I jumped the starter relay terminals with a piece of wire and turned the key, but it didn't do anything. What I haven't checked is the brake switch, the starter itself, or the fuse block under the passenger floor. If I recall, a bad brake switch won't allow the shifter to move out of park, but correct me if I'm wrong. I don't see the passenger side fuse block in any diagrams or literature, so I'm not sure what it does-if someone could provide more information about this it would be great! I can jump the starter terminals, but it wasn't making any unusual sound before, so I have saved that for last. Any input is greatly appreciated!
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1995 E420, 1998 E300TD, 2002 CL230K 6spd, 2002 CL230K auto, 2002 CL280T VR6 Project, 2001 A6 2.7T
Sounds like a starter failure, have seen this happen on higher mileage cars with over 120K miles.
If you have a good battery, clean tight terminals, and the connections at the starter are clean and tight, you can try to, Carefully, put battery voltage on the starter solenoid terminal with a fused jumper wire.
If the starter does not turn its likely reached the end of its service life.
If you have a good battery, clean tight terminals, and the connections at the starter are clean and tight, you can try to, Carefully, put battery voltage on the starter solenoid terminal with a fused jumper wire.
If the starter does not turn its likely reached the end of its service life.
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c230K
Update: I put in a brand new battery and nothing changed. I did put a multimeter on the starter relay terminals (coil side) and confirmed that 12 volts was present when the key is turned to the start position. From what I understand of the system, that pretty much eliminates everything that is a fail-safe or security measure. What I don't know is what is between the relay and the solenoid. Does it go direct from the relay to the solenoid terminal, or are there other devices/junctions in between? I can't find a wiring schematic anywhere. If anyone has one it would be extremely helpful...
