d2Benz

I've searched for symptoms but didn't find anything in the archieves.
mine is a '96.
Car won't start, all lights come on the dash...Put it in Neutral but won't start neither. Now the key will only turn after about 15 to 20 efforts to turn the key...I guess from turning too many times I must have damage the key socket.
I called the Benz 800 number, a tech came out...checked it, then he used a long screw driver to hot start the starter while the ignition is turned to the on position. He said I need to replace the "neutral safety switch". I found that odd, cos, I believe that if its "NSS" then the car should start in Neutral. I ordered the ignition switch with the tumbler and that is replaced, now key turns without any problem, but engine still wont crank.
???Does anyone have any clue what might be wrong with my car.??
I know whatever it is, is between the ignition and the starter.
Please HELP....thanks in advance.

cheers!

RobertG

Being that the tech checked it, he has more info then you are giving. Are you getting voltage to the starter solenoid?
If you are not getting voltage then it could be the nss like he said. good luck

lkchris

FIRST REQUIREMENT when you tell someone your car won't start:

DOES THE STARTER MOTOR RUN OR DOESN'T IT?

Musikmann

I agree that you are not giving us enough information. If the MB roadside assistance tech gave you the wrong fix, then I suggest you find another tech who knows what he is doing. Apparently, the guy you had did not.

d2Benz

when I turn the key...I get nothing. the engine doesn't turn. Only the dash lights up...

ohlord

The nss lets voltage go to the starter in park or some cars park and neutral ,a failed nss or one out of adjustment will not let the voltage thru and you will not start,if the tech could hot start it then most likely your nss failed.I don't have my wire diagram handy to check but some models the nss is also the reverse lights switch also, so if you turn your key to on and select reverse and the backup lights don't come on you have a failed nss.First check a diagram or maybe a fellow member knows if this tip is app for your model.
ohlord

d2Benz

olhlord, thanks for the info, I will check that as soon as am back home...On vacation now.

cheers!

raymond g-

Agree (strongly) with ohlord. modern alternators are only designed to resolve
surface charging and are woefully deficient in replenishing a battery which has
undergone deep discharge. When you get back from vacation, pick up a small
10amp trickle charger....being sure that it has the circuitry to match the battery
in your car. (Some exotics may require specific type of charging characteristics.)

http://www.repairfaq.org/ELE/F_Car_Battery.html

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/tec...5/article.html

d2Benz

Raymond, thanks for the info, but my problem is NOT a discharged battery.
thanks for the input though....

cheers!

d2Benz

Oh Lord,
thanks again for the suggestion.
Here is the situation.....
Power is not getting to the relay from the key switch...So there-4, the NSS is not receiving any voltage to send to the starter.

Key ----> Relay----> NSS -----> Starter
1 --> 2 --> 3 ---> 4

The problem seems to be between 1 & 2.

Any help will be appreciated...thanks

cheers,
d2!

raymond g-

sorry d. yes, my response was simply to confirm role of alternator. i hadn't
read the previous posts. your situation is more complex than simple battery
discharge situation.

ohlord

The nss lets power get to the relay,so i think it is the nss.Anyone with info as to it also being the backup light switch?You could disconnect the nss and jump wire the terminals to bypass it and then you would be sure.Sorry I don't have a factory wiring dia. to see if the switch is a simple two wire ,that would make it real easy to bypass.
ohlord

d2Benz

thanks Ohlord. My mechanic claims that the diagram he got from MB, route the power from the ignition switch to the relay and relay to starter. there4 we can not check the reverse light.
Does any1 have the diagram for a 96 electric switch?
I just want to double check my mechanic.
Also, he's having problem removing the electrical part of the ignition switch, the tumbler has been removed....PLEASE HELP!!!

d2Benz

just a follow up.....

Ignition switch replaced
and
NSS replaced

I'm Back On The Road Again!!!!
https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/driving.gif

cheers!!!!

eXpLiCitW210

i HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY W210, BUT MINE STARTS IN NEUTRAL. SO DID YOU REPLACE BOTH THE IGNITION AND NSS? HOW MUCH WAS THE NSS, AND WHER DID YOU GET IT?

ReZzZ320

hey d2benz how did the tech manage to hot-start your car??? Where did they put the long screw in??

ohlord

I really like it when one of the peeps asks a question,gets help,and replys with a heads up that they are on the road again! kudos,to d2Benz....
Worry when someone has a problem and they just disappear into the mist to never be heard from again...
ohlord

d2Benz

Xplicit, If you read my original post, you will see that I had problem with my ignition switch too..the issues are NOT connected at all.
I have a '96, and have put 80K miles on the ride since I got it...but this is the 3rd time I've had to replace the NSS. The previous 2 X, the car was starting in nuetral, but this last time, it won't start in nuetral. This means that its possbile to have NSS issue and the car will not start in "N". I got it from the "stealer". Part is about $45. but You can get online for about $33.00. make sure you get the right part. Good luck. you might want to change yours ASAP, cos I've read that it will eventually stop starting in "N"

cheers!

d2Benz

The long screw driver was put on the starter.
when U have a NSS issue, the power from the switch does not get to the starter....he prettymuch short wired the starter...

d2Benz

ohlord,
thanks for the kudos. thanks for your input too.
well, the only way the forum can be productive for all of us is when we let others know what OR how we solved the issues we encountered. we are all here to help each other and be helped in return.

cheers!

eXpLiCitW210

hey dude thanks for the reply, i will head out to the dealer (stealer) first thing tomorrow before it gets the point u hit. Stay up man, take care
-Leo

eXpLiCitW210

Thanks for the help too ohlord, you posted replys on my Q's as well, ur a great member! Thanks!

d2Benz

My NSS went out again in October/November...car was starting in N, but stop starting in N in december.
I decided to put the car in the shop, cos I got tired of replacing NSS every 4 months.
Stealer Mechanic said the terminal for the NSS was the source of my problem and its been replaced with a new NSS.
I hope this is my final solution to my common NSS problem.
Other than that, my "benza" is a really good car.

seajay5913

Car won't start....Only hesitates when I turn the ignition. I used the ODB scanner but there are no codes in the DLC.I need your help! Thanks

seajay5913

Can anyone offer some advice?