ML320 Fail to Start, Battery is good but drains.
Background- Car is driving fine, I make a quick run to gas station and come out, it won't start. Lights come on, no flickering and I get a single "click". This could be the solenoid but it was pretty loud. When I return the key from the ignition position I hear another "click" not as loud.
Attempted to jump the car, no luck. Doesn't change anything. I have it towed to the house. I get my 8mo old battery tested, it's good but around 65%. The battery was charged back to 100%. Before reinstalling, I connected the battery cables to another car leaving the battery out of the circuit, it definitely made a difference as the starter was definitely engaging with a rapid "click click click". I the reinstall the freshly charged battery and the car starts. I turn on and off twice to ensure everything is good.
At that point I leave the car overnight, attempt to restart in the morning and the car won't start, I'm back to the same problem. Any ideas?
Because I'm in a hotel, I'm limited on what I can do. However I was able to just barely squeeze under the car to get a picture of the starter. I wish I could get the car just a few more inches off the ground. I took pictures of the starter below, had some questions.
Not sure what that is on the connection between starter motor and starter, was this some kind of insulation?
Should something be attached to this spade?
I'll get a wire brush and try to knock off corrosion around the starter in the morning. I may have to bite the bullet and get it towed to a shop, living at a hotel is making this much more difficult.
But I would think your loose earth is the culprit.


