cgrichie

HELLO ALL,

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.

ThatsMyDawg

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.

cgrichie

No, I did not start the car before I purchased it. The damage to the front end prevented that. The tensioner pulley was damaged and the power steering resevoir was cracked. Also the radiator and was leaking as well. None of the other engine parts were damaged. There was also no undercarriage damage. As for the carfax the only thing was the accident that you can see in my pic of the car. The car was totaled because of the front damage. The following parts were damaged:

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.

relicod66

I'm new to this forum, Hi to all and just looking for some advise.
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

Serndipity

From the enclosed electrical starter system wiring diagram and taking some basic measurements, you should be able to at least diagnose the area of the underlying problem. Then you'll have to isolate the problem to a faulty connection, ground, component etc..

Also see general trouble shooting chart for starter system.

gorgerider

I ran across a situation where the car would intermittantly fail to start. Lights would go on, windows and locks would work, radio work, seats work, but no starter. Sometimes it would be without problems for a few months. Sometimes it would give hints that it was about to go on a complete failure by hesitating for up to a second or a couple of turns of the switch to the start position.

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.