Car won’t start, weird ticking even when car is off.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Car won’t start, weird ticking even when car is off.
Hey all,
My girlfriends car has been having intermittent issues with starting for the past few months. It seems to mostly happen after it rains or snows, but also sometimes has prolonged stretches no matter what the weather is. When trying to turn the car on it just has this weird background tick, and all the gauge needles tick along with it besides the speedometer. The lights on the gauge cluster also just flash when trying to turn it on, but the randomly it seems to start.
I have taken it to a reputable shop in the area but the car either started there and they couldn’t replicate the issue one time, or they couldn’t figure out what the issue seemed to be the other time. Wanted to see if anyone else has had something like this happen.
i have attached two clips of what I could visually see from the issue below.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ydapxf0zeohcx4n/IMG_0101.MOV?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jicb2gu7re1s9d/IMG_0103.MOV?dl=0
My girlfriends car has been having intermittent issues with starting for the past few months. It seems to mostly happen after it rains or snows, but also sometimes has prolonged stretches no matter what the weather is. When trying to turn the car on it just has this weird background tick, and all the gauge needles tick along with it besides the speedometer. The lights on the gauge cluster also just flash when trying to turn it on, but the randomly it seems to start.
I have taken it to a reputable shop in the area but the car either started there and they couldn’t replicate the issue one time, or they couldn’t figure out what the issue seemed to be the other time. Wanted to see if anyone else has had something like this happen.
i have attached two clips of what I could visually see from the issue below.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ydapxf0zeohcx4n/IMG_0101.MOV?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jicb2gu7re1s9d/IMG_0103.MOV?dl=0
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Well, ESL normally gives you zilch, so I don't think it's that.
Honestly whats the condition of the battery? It could be very low.
Otherwise since it looks like you have another benz, I would buy a scanner that can read the elaborate codes here: https://amzn.to/3JUb1jB
These are not standard OBD2 codes that you can scan with a generic reader or at autozone. I believe you'll find the target of your issue with that.
Honestly whats the condition of the battery? It could be very low.
Otherwise since it looks like you have another benz, I would buy a scanner that can read the elaborate codes here: https://amzn.to/3JUb1jB
These are not standard OBD2 codes that you can scan with a generic reader or at autozone. I believe you'll find the target of your issue with that.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Thanks Adi I will check into the scanner.
Did not think to change the battery as I had it checked at the shop and they said it was fine and they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. That and it still does start sometimes which didn’t think that was possible if the battery was dead. Will have the battery checked tomorrow though.
Plus all other electronics in the car work fine still.
Did not think to change the battery as I had it checked at the shop and they said it was fine and they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. That and it still does start sometimes which didn’t think that was possible if the battery was dead. Will have the battery checked tomorrow though.
Plus all other electronics in the car work fine still.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 692
2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
You have been to a shop. Did they scan for codes, or did they just try to diagnose from symptoms? Do you know if the car has had the ESL replaced with an emulator?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Not sure if they used the scanner Adi mentioned, but I assumed they did their due diligence to assess the issue, but while the car was with them it started fine which they said they couldn’t replicate.
When I picked it up it did it again and I showed them and he waited again and tried a few times and it started and he said it was weird but didn’t know what caused it. he did say that for some things involving the gauge cluster and they didn’t have the ability to go into the cars code and I’d have to go to the dealer, so maybe they do not use that scanner mentioned above?
As for the ESL, I am pretty sure it has not been, at least not in the 2 years we’ve had the car.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Well, ESL normally gives you zilch, so I don't think it's that.
Honestly whats the condition of the battery? It could be very low.
Otherwise since it looks like you have another benz, I would buy a scanner that can read the elaborate codes here: https://amzn.to/3JUb1jB
These are not standard OBD2 codes that you can scan with a generic reader or at autozone. I believe you'll find the target of your issue with that.
Honestly whats the condition of the battery? It could be very low.
Otherwise since it looks like you have another benz, I would buy a scanner that can read the elaborate codes here: https://amzn.to/3JUb1jB
These are not standard OBD2 codes that you can scan with a generic reader or at autozone. I believe you'll find the target of your issue with that.
For the scanner, my other car is a 2018 E400 (C238). I saw there is a V3.0 of the scanner but it didn’t have a car list like for the MB II, do you know if the 3.0 covers the W204 and C238? Would rather buy one if possible.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 566
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Is this the one you are referring to? https://amzn.to/404uljT Supposedly it has a few extra features, so probably it's worth it, especially if you do your own maintanence https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-0-v3-0-a.html
And yeah the battery can nosedive so I'd just pop a new one in and see if it happens since this issue sounds somewhat frequent for you guys
And yeah the battery can nosedive so I'd just pop a new one in and see if it happens since this issue sounds somewhat frequent for you guys
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,229
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Is this the one you are referring to? https://amzn.to/404uljT Supposedly it has a few extra features, so probably it's worth it, especially if you do your own maintanence https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-0-v3-0-a.html
And yeah the battery can nosedive so I'd just pop a new one in and see if it happens since this issue sounds somewhat frequent for you guys
And yeah the battery can nosedive so I'd just pop a new one in and see if it happens since this issue sounds somewhat frequent for you guys
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Yeah that is pretty amazing that it’s like that. Will be happy if that’s the issue. Looks like I’ll be grabbing a new one this weekend then.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Changed the battery two days ago and seems good so far.
Thank you everyone for the help!
I will always keep in mind to look at this first for any issues that could be battery related.
Thank you everyone for the help!
I will always keep in mind to look at this first for any issues that could be battery related.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
W204 C300 4MATIC 2011
Hey all,
My girlfriends car has been having intermittent issues with starting for the past few months. It seems to mostly happen after it rains or snows, but also sometimes has prolonged stretches no matter what the weather is. When trying to turn the car on it just has this weird background tick, and all the gauge needles tick along with it besides the speedometer. The lights on the gauge cluster also just flash when trying to turn it on, but the randomly it seems to start.
I have taken it to a reputable shop in the area but the car either started there and they couldn’t replicate the issue one time, or they couldn’t figure out what the issue seemed to be the other time. Wanted to see if anyone else has had something like this happen.
i have attached two clips of what I could visually see from the issue below.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ydapxf0zeo..._0101.MOV?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jicb2gu7r..._0103.MOV?dl=0
My girlfriends car has been having intermittent issues with starting for the past few months. It seems to mostly happen after it rains or snows, but also sometimes has prolonged stretches no matter what the weather is. When trying to turn the car on it just has this weird background tick, and all the gauge needles tick along with it besides the speedometer. The lights on the gauge cluster also just flash when trying to turn it on, but the randomly it seems to start.
I have taken it to a reputable shop in the area but the car either started there and they couldn’t replicate the issue one time, or they couldn’t figure out what the issue seemed to be the other time. Wanted to see if anyone else has had something like this happen.
i have attached two clips of what I could visually see from the issue below.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ydapxf0zeo..._0101.MOV?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5jicb2gu7r..._0103.MOV?dl=0
check battery and if u have problems when it rains ot must be flood problems so check the electric line cable to see if you have flood tracks.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 604
Likes: 29
From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
About batteries:I once build a generator for uncle on farm 12V;. Used VW Alternator and 5HP honda engine. I made it shut off if battery reach 14.5 Volt.
-To test & calibrate the setup I used two of my own batteries both older than one year and set the calibration to shut off.
-I then went and bought two new batteries......Now I have a problem, The engine shuts off but starts again just before it stops and repeat this process.
Both batteries started my vehicles. After investigation I found that if the charging voltage is removed both batteries has a quick sudden drop in voltage unlike my own batteries. I took batteries back to dealer which tested them heavy load and both failed. He gave me two replacements which pass load test and worked.
--If the electronic circuit did not had a bad design , I would hardly ever knew about this condition a battery even new can have.
-To test & calibrate the setup I used two of my own batteries both older than one year and set the calibration to shut off.
-I then went and bought two new batteries......Now I have a problem, The engine shuts off but starts again just before it stops and repeat this process.
Both batteries started my vehicles. After investigation I found that if the charging voltage is removed both batteries has a quick sudden drop in voltage unlike my own batteries. I took batteries back to dealer which tested them heavy load and both failed. He gave me two replacements which pass load test and worked.
--If the electronic circuit did not had a bad design , I would hardly ever knew about this condition a battery even new can have.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
About batteries:I once build a generator for uncle on farm 12V;. Used VW Alternator and 5HP honda engine. I made it shut off if battery reach 14.5 Volt.
-To test & calibrate the setup I used two of my own batteries both older than one year and set the calibration to shut off.
-I then went and bought two new batteries......Now I have a problem, The engine shuts off but starts again just before it stops and repeat this process.
Both batteries started my vehicles. After investigation I found that if the charging voltage is removed both batteries has a quick sudden drop in voltage unlike my own batteries. I took batteries back to dealer which tested them heavy load and both failed. He gave me two replacements which pass load test and worked.
--If the electronic circuit did not had a bad design , I would hardly ever knew about this condition a battery even new can have.
-To test & calibrate the setup I used two of my own batteries both older than one year and set the calibration to shut off.
-I then went and bought two new batteries......Now I have a problem, The engine shuts off but starts again just before it stops and repeat this process.
Both batteries started my vehicles. After investigation I found that if the charging voltage is removed both batteries has a quick sudden drop in voltage unlike my own batteries. I took batteries back to dealer which tested them heavy load and both failed. He gave me two replacements which pass load test and worked.
--If the electronic circuit did not had a bad design , I would hardly ever knew about this condition a battery even new can have.
Thank you as well! Will keep an eye out for any more issues when it rains, I hope that's not the case since we have had the car for two years and it really has been just the last few months this issue was persisting.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 79
Likes: 31
From: Massachusetts
18’ E400 4Matic
Well unfortunately back to the same issue now even with the new battery, so looks like it lasted about 2 weeks before the issues came back.
Gauge cluster started flashing all the symbols while she was driving home today and then once she got here she tried to turn it off and back on and it wouldn’t start back up.
Gonna see if I can pull any codes with the new scanning tool I got.
Gauge cluster started flashing all the symbols while she was driving home today and then once she got here she tried to turn it off and back on and it wouldn’t start back up.
Gonna see if I can pull any codes with the new scanning tool I got.
Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
From: Portland, Oregon
2009 S600 V-12
Well unfortunately back to the same issue now even with the new battery, so looks like it lasted about 2 weeks before the issues came back.
Gauge cluster started flashing all the symbols while she was driving home today and then once she got here she tried to turn it off and back on and it wouldn’t start back up.
Gonna see if I can pull any codes with the new scanning tool I got.
Gauge cluster started flashing all the symbols while she was driving home today and then once she got here she tried to turn it off and back on and it wouldn’t start back up.
Gonna see if I can pull any codes with the new scanning tool I got.
One thing I learned when purchasing a new battery, is to fully charge prior to install.
I bought my son a new battery for his 2016 Ford Fiesta because the battery was 5 years old and died. Could jump start it, got 14.3 VDC while running.
New battery from Costco made 4 months ago. Brought it home, threw it in. He drove a short distance for 2 days, and then it died again.
I went into Cisco and informed them I received a bad battery, may I have another? Of course you may.
It had the same build date as the one that died.
Installed it, same issue, week later dead. I knew Costco wouldn’t give me second one, so I had to start thinking.
Spoke with my car friends and was reminded to fully charge it when bought new.
YouTube video showed a new battery purchased which might be half charged, would require a drive on the highway at 70 mph for 8 hours.
Automobile alternators are like trickle chargers. MB probably has the worse current draw on any battery.
When my alternator died on my 2009 S600 V-12 a few months ago, my battery was 5 years old, paid to have a new alternator installed and purchased an AGM battery from Costco, 3 year warranty for $175.00. Got it home from the shop, fully charged it overnight, positive on the terminal block and ground on the brass spike on the fender well.
Been running like a dream since.
JR
Last edited by johnnyrocket52; Aug 31, 2025 at 05:15 PM.
