Ignition problem
10-31-2002, 10:15 PM
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1998 E320
Ignition problem
I went to jump in the Benz a few minutes ago and it wouldn't turn over. It's acting really weird. The dash lights were going on and off and sometimes the key will not turn in the ignition. Does anyone have any ideas on what this could be. I suspect the brain because of the weird problems. Any help would be appreciated.
11-01-2002, 11:47 AM
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'98 E320
55rag, I see from your profile that you're apparently talking about an E320. My '98 E320 occassionally requires a "moment of silence" when the insert key sequence goes awry. I've never experienced a dash light seizure as you describe, just a disruption in the "normal" ignition sequence:
1. Incert key
2. Listen for selenoid to activate
3. Turn key
4. Motor cranks
Mine gets hung up in steps 1,2,3 resulting in not being able to turn the key because the selenoid has not thrown it's full travel. Happens about once in every 50 tries. I remove the key, talk to the car in respectful & encouraging terms, wait 30 seconds (+/-), and try again. So far, so good. When the day comes that fore mentioned remedy fails to produce the desired result, it'll be tow truck time. I quit trying to diagnose automotive electrical problems about model year 1977.
Good luck and please post your remedy.
1. Incert key
2. Listen for selenoid to activate
3. Turn key
4. Motor cranks
Mine gets hung up in steps 1,2,3 resulting in not being able to turn the key because the selenoid has not thrown it's full travel. Happens about once in every 50 tries. I remove the key, talk to the car in respectful & encouraging terms, wait 30 seconds (+/-), and try again. So far, so good. When the day comes that fore mentioned remedy fails to produce the desired result, it'll be tow truck time. I quit trying to diagnose automotive electrical problems about model year 1977.
Good luck and please post your remedy.
11-03-2002, 03:19 AM
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1998 E320
Thanks Rudy,
The problem was actually as simple as a dead battery. I thought it might be something more serious due to the lights and not being able to turn the key but I guess these cars use electricity for everything. I still have to check my alternator to see if that's the reason the battery died. The battery would not hold a charge so I suspect that it was just old and gave up.
The problem was actually as simple as a dead battery. I thought it might be something more serious due to the lights and not being able to turn the key but I guess these cars use electricity for everything. I still have to check my alternator to see if that's the reason the battery died. The battery would not hold a charge so I suspect that it was just old and gave up.
