DaBears

My wife drove her 1997 E320 to the grocery store yesterday but when she came out the car would not start. When the key is turned everything lights up but when she turns the key nothing but silence. I replaced the battery and it started fine. Today daughter took it to store and when she came out again everything lights up when key is turned but will not start. What in the world? Need ideas/help please.

renault12ts

Firstly changing the battery had no effect...the battery does not start the car, it just opens it.

My key has been doing this for years...it always starts though.

Take the battery out of the key and you will find the car will still start.

DaBears

My wife is at home and trying to figure out where the battery in the key is and how to remove it. Once we get that figured out we will give it a try. I spend $125.00 on a new battery for the car so if this ends up being the answer I will scream. That is just too crazy what could the battery in the key have to do with the ability to start the car. Why would it start cold but then after driving to the store it won't even try to start? Strange.

DaBears

Wanted to make sure you were not confused. I replace the car battery not the key battery. Did not even know the key had a battery. The car started cold this morning, drove to store and parked, came out and it won't start. Does not turn over or make any sound at all but all the lights come on. Hope that clarifies and might change your answer. Please advise.

RichM

This sounds like the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) is acting up. Car starts when cold, but will not start after the car is driven at temp. When you changed the battery, you gave the car enough time to cool off and were able to start it. Just my WAG.

renault12ts

As above...it's the CPS, it starts cold but not hot.

I did not mean that taking the battery out of the key would start the car...just that it does not need the battery in the to start it.

Confused? I am.

DaBears

I purchased the Crankshaft Position Sensor and did an easy install. The car now starts all the time. Thanks for the help.