CLK430 WON'T CRANK
I just purchased a clean low mile (53k) clk430 with some minor front damage. The problem is that my car will not crank at all when I turn the key. The instrumentation lights up and everything seems to be ok with the exception of the car not cranking. The headlights work fine and they are extremely bright. All of the fuses appear to be ok. I tested them all with a test light/circuit tester. Is there some sort of reset that I can do to get the car running? Also looking for a good independent MBZ shop in the SoCal area.
Last edited by cgrichie; Jul 29, 2012 at 02:29 AM. Reason: added photo




I just purchased a clean low mile (53k) clk430 with some minor front damage. The problem is that my car will not crank at all when I turn the key. The instrumentation lights up and everything seems to be ok with the exception of the car not cranking. The headlights work fine and they are extremely bright. All of the fuses appear to be ok. I tested them all with a test light/circuit tester. Is there some sort of reset that I can do to get the car running? Also looking for a good independent MBZ shop in the SoCal area.

Did it crank when you looked at the car prior to buying?
How long have you had it?
Was there any prior hesitation when cranking before?
Did the carfax show any strange service work?
What do you consider minore minor front end damage? One mans minor damage is another mans my car it ruined.
1. Front Hood
2. Front Bumper
3. Upper Core support
4. Both Head lights
5. Both Head light support brackets
6. Cooling radiator
7. AC Condenser
As you can see these parts would add up along with repainting the complete front end.
I have repaired the car with the exception of installing the front grille and hood emblem. Other than that everything else has been done. Thanks for all of the replies.
I have the same problem as cgrichie, I bought a front end damaged 2001 clk 430 convertible from an auction, I have fixed it and ready to drive , but i'm having the same problem , everything works but cant get it to turn over.
Battery is charged , computer has been reset,(removed the - cable,reset the windows etc.) .
Something needs to be reset?? One other thing is the roll bars are up, Is that maybe the problem?
Looking for what cgrichie did to fix the problem.
Thanks Dan




Also see general trouble shooting chart for starter system.
Last edited by Serndipity; Apr 14, 2013 at 01:51 PM. Reason: Added general trouble shooting chart for starter system
The result was that my key was shot. New key, no more problems. Part was $185 with additional bucks for diagnosis and programming. I was only able to use the old key for a fishing weight. It may be worth looking into.



