'96 S320W Starting Problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
'96 S320, '84 450 SL
'96 S320W Starting Problem
My '96 S320 has a puzzling starting problem. It starts flawlessly most times, but once in a while (every 3 weeks or so) it will not start. I turn the key, all the lights come on, but nothing happens - just silence, no cranking at all.
Different mechanics, including the dealer, has tried to solve the problem, but to no avail. I've replaced the neutral starting lock switch (?? or something like that) and it hasn't helped.
When this happens, I can do one of two things: wait a few minutes, and sometimes it starts. Or, I can rock the gear shift back and forth between "park" and "neutral", and usually this does the trick and it starts.
About three years ago, I had the same problem and nobody had the solution. Then I had the battery replaced, and the problem disappeared until now.
I had my current battery checked twice. Both times different mechanics reported that the battery is still OK and the connections are tight.
Any solutions to this aggravating problem would be much appreciated.
Different mechanics, including the dealer, has tried to solve the problem, but to no avail. I've replaced the neutral starting lock switch (?? or something like that) and it hasn't helped.
When this happens, I can do one of two things: wait a few minutes, and sometimes it starts. Or, I can rock the gear shift back and forth between "park" and "neutral", and usually this does the trick and it starts.
About three years ago, I had the same problem and nobody had the solution. Then I had the battery replaced, and the problem disappeared until now.
I had my current battery checked twice. Both times different mechanics reported that the battery is still OK and the connections are tight.
Any solutions to this aggravating problem would be much appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 2
From: Mesa, AZ
2011 E350 Bluetec, 1996 S320 & 2006 E320 CDI Sold to my son & 2017 GMC 2500 Diesel Pick up
My '96 S320 has a puzzling starting problem. It starts flawlessly most times, but once in a while (every 3 weeks or so) it will not start. I turn the key, all the lights come on, but nothing happens - just silence, no cranking at all.
Different mechanics, including the dealer, has tried to solve the problem, but to no avail. I've replaced the neutral starting lock switch (?? or something like that) and it hasn't helped.
When this happens, I can do one of two things: wait a few minutes, and sometimes it starts. Or, I can rock the gear shift back and forth between "park" and "neutral", and usually this does the trick and it starts.
About three years ago, I had the same problem and nobody had the solution. Then I had the battery replaced, and the problem disappeared until now.
I had my current battery checked twice. Both times different mechanics reported that the battery is still OK and the connections are tight.
Any solutions to this aggravating problem would be much appreciated.
Different mechanics, including the dealer, has tried to solve the problem, but to no avail. I've replaced the neutral starting lock switch (?? or something like that) and it hasn't helped.
When this happens, I can do one of two things: wait a few minutes, and sometimes it starts. Or, I can rock the gear shift back and forth between "park" and "neutral", and usually this does the trick and it starts.
About three years ago, I had the same problem and nobody had the solution. Then I had the battery replaced, and the problem disappeared until now.
I had my current battery checked twice. Both times different mechanics reported that the battery is still OK and the connections are tight.
Any solutions to this aggravating problem would be much appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
My '96 S320 has a puzzling starting problem. It starts flawlessly most times, but once in a while (every 3 weeks or so) it will not start. I turn the key, all the lights come on, but nothing happens - just silence, no cranking at all.
Different mechanics, including the dealer, has tried to solve the problem, but to no avail. I've replaced the neutral starting lock switch (?? or something like that) and it hasn't helped.
When this happens, I can do one of two things: wait a few minutes, and sometimes it starts. Or, I can rock the gear shift back and forth between "park" and "neutral", and usually this does the trick and it starts.
About three years ago, I had the same problem and nobody had the solution. Then I had the battery replaced, and the problem disappeared until now.
I had my current battery checked twice. Both times different mechanics reported that the battery is still OK and the connections are tight.
Any solutions to this aggravating problem would be much appreciated.
Different mechanics, including the dealer, has tried to solve the problem, but to no avail. I've replaced the neutral starting lock switch (?? or something like that) and it hasn't helped.
When this happens, I can do one of two things: wait a few minutes, and sometimes it starts. Or, I can rock the gear shift back and forth between "park" and "neutral", and usually this does the trick and it starts.
About three years ago, I had the same problem and nobody had the solution. Then I had the battery replaced, and the problem disappeared until now.
I had my current battery checked twice. Both times different mechanics reported that the battery is still OK and the connections are tight.
Any solutions to this aggravating problem would be much appreciated.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
'96 S320, '84 450 SL
Thanks for the suggestion. However, the switch was replaced three years ago when this first happened, and the starting problem persisted until the battery was replaced (the battery tested OK at that time too).
