C250 no crank no start
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 c250
C250 no crank no start
Good afternoon everyone, I’ve been scouring these forums the last couple of days over my no crank no start issue. Originally back in December I had the same problem but was able to get the vehicle jumped and turned out the battery failed. Replaced that and it was good until July 4th. Drove to the store and came out went to start the vehicle had all lights, steering column made the typical lock/unlock sound as it should but won’t start. I tried it with the push button in and out. I never typically use the key, but I tried that as well and only got the remove key from ignition when the key is in the neutral position, the message goes away when I turn the key into the other positions. Tried jumping the vehicle with 2 different vehicles and sets of cables and again no luck. I checked all applicable starter and fuel pump fuses everything is good. Tried shorting the starter relay (forgot the pin numbers) no luck. After reading some threads here about the ESL issue I tried keying over all the way, pulling the ESL fuse, putting it back in, and then jumping starter relay again. Does this sound like maybe it’s just my starter that went out? Or is there any other troubleshooting I can do first before making that swap. I would have banged on the starter but I had to order another Jack as mine went out. Thank you and I look forward to your replies.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 462
Likes: 152
From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
Good afternoon everyone, I’ve been scouring these forums the last couple of days over my no crank no start issue. Originally back in December I had the same problem but was able to get the vehicle jumped and turned out the battery failed. Replaced that and it was good until July 4th. Drove to the store and came out went to start the vehicle had all lights, steering column made the typical lock/unlock sound as it should but won’t start. I tried it with the push button in and out. I never typically use the key, but I tried that as well and only got the remove key from ignition when the key is in the neutral position, the message goes away when I turn the key into the other positions. Tried jumping the vehicle with 2 different vehicles and sets of cables and again no luck. I checked all applicable starter and fuel pump fuses everything is good. Tried shorting the starter relay (forgot the pin numbers) no luck. After reading some threads here about the ESL issue I tried keying over all the way, pulling the ESL fuse, putting it back in, and then jumping starter relay again. Does this sound like maybe it’s just my starter that went out? Or is there any other troubleshooting I can do first before making that swap. I would have banged on the starter but I had to order another Jack as mine went out. Thank you and I look forward to your replies.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2013 c250
If you shorted the starter relay pins and had no joy, then it sounds like the starter has failed. Your experience was similar to mine in that there was little forewarning. There was one time when it was slow but then failed several weeks later. I tried bumping it without success. It seems that when it fails, it fails for good. Not like in the old days when you could rock the vehicle back and forward to force the starter past the bad spot in the windings.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 462
Likes: 152
From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
Thanks for the reply, I figured that was more or less the case. I’m still getting used to how finicky these vehicles can be. I’m used to older cars with more telltale symptoms. I was planning on pulling the starter and having it checked on Saturday to confirm, but at least it sounds pretty cut and dry based on your previous experience.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 428
Likes: 63
From: Auburn, GA
C250 2013
I second that, I replaced the starter once and had to get it out when I replaced the oil filter housing. With the intake manifold out, it took less than 10 mins, getting to the electric connectors from top was like a walk in the park.
