One click, won't start
 

Working with a 2004 ML350 with just over 100k miles. Went to go for a ride today, and the engine won't start up. I just get a single click and then nothing. All the lights, dashboard, radio, etc, seem to be at full power and working. I opened the hood to check the battery (it's got about 8 years on it); there's a decent amount of corrosion on one of the terminals. I get that cleaned up and retry but same result.

Ordered a multi-meter to get a better check on the battery, while I'm waiting for that I'll try and swap out the relay to see if that will do it, but my hunch is that the starter may need some attention. Does anyone have any experience with changing out the starter? Is it a straightforward swap out or is it worth a tow into a shop to have them do it? Anyone else have an experience where the starter just dies on you without any warning?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9388c08090.jpg
First remove the right front wheel and fender liner and see if the braided cable is corroded. If so you need a new starter.

Read the instructions and see if you can do it yourself, if not replace the wheel only and put the liner and bolts in the trunk and have it towed.

This is a great help. Thank you.

Just an update, was able to successfully change out the starter and everything has been running well. Changing out the starter was pretty easy/straightforward. You will definitely need a socket wrench with a universal joint in order to get at the two bolts holding it in, and having the proper torx socket is a major plus. I had an extra pair of hands helping out and it took us about 90 minutes to get the job done.

Thanks again for the instructions!

Just want to add for anyone else with this problem I've had the same thing happen a few times but it was just a bad connection or bad relay with the starter relay in the fuse box...shift it around or swap it with a known working one from say the wipers or horn and try again. Ive also had problems with the shifter neutral safety switch not being activated so a simple articulation of it through the gears fixed it. And finally sometimes just taking the key out and trying again or varying how you twist the key will get it started if it's something with the ignition.

Does anyone know if the m112/m113 starter are the same and if it's possible to change the brushes on them without too much trouble?