s_nik

hi everyone,

need your expert opinions on a rather puzzling matter

my car does not start randomly... but if i sit there and keep on trying the ignition key on and off after 10-15 min it starts. Meanwhile all idiot lights do come on and i can hear that loud key in the ignition buzzer, but when I click it to position 3 (starter), it just doesnt do anything)

basically there is no power going to the starter, battery is new, and when it does decide to crank after a little while, it starts with no difficulty...it feels as if the power wire going to the starter gets temporarily and randomly disconnected.

it doesnt matter if its hot/ or cold... sometimes it does it when its sitting overnight and sometimes *and this is quite embarrassing* it does it when i just shut it off to get gas, or go to a store, etc...

i try wiggling the key in case its a short in the actual ignition key module to no avail... feels almost like a bad starter solenoid.

any ideas as to what this is, and how i can troubleshoot? the problem is i cannot exactly go to a mechanic and ask him to fix it because it doesnt always do it... it does it on maybe 2 out of 40 occasions,..so once every week or so...

its a 93, 500 SEL by the way...

Thanks

barry S320V

S-nik:

Start doing what is easy and cheap. First check your battery, haw old is it? Are the terminals clean, it is amazing how many problems are cured by making sure you are getting full battery power. If you disconect your battery you will need to re-enter your radio secret code again, so be sure you have that.

Barry

barry S320V

oops re-read your post and see that your battery in new. Still check it to see that the terminals were tightened- up securely, wouldn't be the first time that they have come loose, particularly if the battery in not held down securely, any movement will loosen- off the terminals eventualy.

Barry

s_nik

Hi Barry, thank you for your reply.

Just went and checked the battery as per your suggestion. Terminals are nice and new as the battery is the original MB battery I bought about 3 weeks ago, connections are clean with no sign of corrosion, clamped very tight and battery body is secure.

I am thinking *maybe* its some kind of a starter solenoid thats faulty, and occasional interruptrions I am experiencing maybe telltale signs of it quitting on me sometime soon. Who said these cars dont talk to you,...hehe

Is there such a starter solenoid in our cars and if so is it built into the starter assembly or a seperate entity?

Thanks again for your suggestion though

Nik.

barry S320V

nik:

Sorry I don't know enough about the MB starter solenoid to answer your question. European cars use Bosch electonic parts however. I recall having a solenoid problem with a Volvo Marine starter a few years ago. The price at the Volvo store was horendous. So i went to Automarine electric in Vancouver, and bought a rebuilt Bosch unit. It cost 1/10th as much and did the job very well.

Barry

dlafever

Snik,

Did you ever resolve this problem? I am having the same trouble...

-D

snik

yes, it was my alarm (ignition kill) that was interfereing.

i discovered that if i locked the doors with the remote/ and unlocked them... or if i locked and unlocked the door with the keys and tried starting it, it would start with no issues.

after doing that 2~3 times, problem disappeared last year and never happened since

guydewdney

also check by putting into N instead of P - the starter interlock inhibit switch is a known weakness...

or just wiggle gear stick

dlafever

Thank you for you responses!

I had replaced the NSS ( Neutral Safety Switch ) about a month ago. I think it may just be a bad ignition switch. I will let you know.

-D

d2Benz

dlafever,
how much does the NSS replacement cost?? My 96 E320 only starts 50% of time. Problem started last week. Will I be damaging anything if NOT changed ASAP.

thanks,
d2benz

dlafever

The unit for my car was about $76 online. It is a fairly easy install if you want to do it yourself, but you will need to get under the car. I have not heard of a NSS damaging anything other than your ego when it fails. It usually quits at a most inopportune moment.

-D

s0vietbenz

At first it took time for my car to start, then finally my stater blew, with my dead starter my flywheel went.