My clk320 wouldn't start when turning the key, right when I turned the key to on position it cranked for a split second then died. Kept on turning it and not a single thing tried to turn on. Put it on position 2 and all the lights were on which was weird. So I decided to lock the car and wait outside for a couple of minutes, went back in and tried to turn it on and still nothing. Tried 2 more times and then it finally started. Does anyone have any idea as to why this happened?

 

Check the vehicle battery.

 

If the car was hot, then started after a few minutes, this can be the beginning of crank sensor failure. Plug into a code reader and you should know what caused the fail to start. Code readers are about £10 on ebay and since 2002 all cars must use the same software, same connection and same engine fault codes.

 

Did this happen again?

 

Hi, hope all is well. Earlier today after hosing off leaves from soft top and windshield gutter, this 05 CLK500 didn't tumble/crank there wasn't any sound when tried to restart.The key turned to start position, cluster liteup and there wasn't any warning signs. After few more attempts, it demonstrated signs of hesitation on 2 attempt and eventually started. I did shift/play with gear lever with the attempts. This happened within 10mins. delay from switching off. It hasn't happened again and i did make few stops prior to getting home. Is this is normal or is it a concern to be looked into? The battery was replaced 3 months ago.

Thank you.

 

Check the drain for the water collector to make sure you aren't flooding the battery or E-box.

 

happened again today, 4th it finally started. Plugged in my scanner (STAR) and no codes

 

Really you have start and there is nothing. Not saying your not telling the truth but there has to be something point to the problem.

 

not making up lies for the sole purpose of my entertainment. Went to the grocery store today, came back to the car 30 minutes later, tried to startit. Cranked again for a split second and then nothing, cluster had all lights on as usual, no cranking. Didn't turn on until the 4th try. Taking it to the shop Monday to get my oil change and I'll ask them about it.

 

Check battery voltage. Even being fairly new, the battery could be defective our your alternator may not be putting out. You might also want to check voltage at the starter to rule out problems with it (or its fuse/relay).

 

Hi, i found some debri in the drain/collector from where i was hosing of. it hasn't happened since, and it's been 4 days. Thanks once again for your valued diagnosis.

 

HI Rodney - When you say E-box are you referring to the ECU? Wondering if this could have contributed to my issue. Thanks - Mike.

 

No, Mike, that would not be an issue. The ECU on your M272 is on top of the engine and sealed. On the M112/M113 engines, the ECU is in a plastic box along with the front SAM. It sits under the hood, driver's side, right at the firewall by the fender.

 

Thanks Rodney!

 

Here's something that just came up on benzworld - twice this week! One guy with an M271 had a bad (shorted) coil and it would blow the ECU fuse. Another guy with a CLK55 had the exact problem as you - no start, and the CPS and fuel pump (among other things) were replace with no help. His also turned out to be a shorted coil. Apparently that ECU is smart enough to shut down and not blow a fuse. I just thought I add this in case someone searches and finds this thread.

 

So, with a shorted coil you would get a no start, then eventually starts, but no codes?

 

Hmmm, could this be my no-start issue?

 

When this has happened to me in the past, it was the start of the CPS going bad. The starting while cold, but not hot is usually a good indicator of that issues. In my experience, it would go away and then happen again a week later, and started to happen with more and more frequency until I replaced the CPS, and no issues yet.

 

That being said, I have a 55 that isnt starting and its not the cps/maf/fuel pump/fuel filter. So maybe I should check my coil packs!

 

it turnes out that my key was the problem the entire time. Tried my spare when the problem was present and it worked

 

It's great you found the problem! I tried switching keys the second time mine wouldn't start in my driveway, no difference. The dealership also requested the second key a couple of months into this process, they too figured out my keys were not the problem. However, the only reason I tried my spare key myself was that I remembered reading a long ago post discussing this issue, otherwise I would never have known a key can sometimes cause problems. It doesn't cost anything to try the spare key and is definitely worth reminding those who do not know about this to try it out. Happy your fix was an easy and quick one! Take care - Mike.

 

Bad key can probably be repaired

 

The OP is not lying! 2005 CLK320 with 56K has the same issue. Went to Costco, come back and nothing. After couple of tries it fired up. Battery 2 years old and cluster says 12.3V.

 

I think you missed my point. If you really have STAR then there would probably be some indication of the issue. I might not throw a code but I have never seen a star report without some faults stored or not.

 

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I apologize thank you