Car won't start, fob recognized by car?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Suburb of Kansas City
2001 S600
Car won't start, fob recognized by car?
So, just went to start the car, put the fob in the dash, it won't turn the motor on, the steering wheel lowers, the lights all come on, I can operate everything in the car but the motor won't start or turn over or anything. It's like something electronic is being a pain in my rear.
It did this once 3 weeks ago, I wiped off the sensors on my fob and where I insert the fob and it worked great. Now that doesn't do anything.
All the buttons operate as they should, radio, garage door openers, heating/cooling works. Just no cranking of the engine. I only ask as I have seen other posts about such things.
Any ideas?
It did this once 3 weeks ago, I wiped off the sensors on my fob and where I insert the fob and it worked great. Now that doesn't do anything.
All the buttons operate as they should, radio, garage door openers, heating/cooling works. Just no cranking of the engine. I only ask as I have seen other posts about such things.
Any ideas?
Last edited by LTe; Jun 1, 2014 at 11:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Suburb of Kansas City
2001 S600
I just changed the batteries in my fob and cleaned the sensors with qtips and acetone but that didn't help.
My guess is that it seems that the car is recognizing the fob but the electronics of the vehicle won't cooperate. I'll check the starter later.
When I put the fob in and press on the brake, it even lets me switch gears.
I know if the starter has voltage at the relay wire to replace the starter. I used to be a mechanic so I understand basic logic but this car is more complicated due to all the electronics involved. Definitely not like my jeep.
I only have 1 fob so I'm not sure if the fob is crap or if it's where the fob goes in the dash or if it's something else.
This blows, I might have to have it towed out of my garage to MB of KC. I have a feeling it will end up expensive as it's always something expensive.
My guess is that it seems that the car is recognizing the fob but the electronics of the vehicle won't cooperate. I'll check the starter later.
When I put the fob in and press on the brake, it even lets me switch gears.
I know if the starter has voltage at the relay wire to replace the starter. I used to be a mechanic so I understand basic logic but this car is more complicated due to all the electronics involved. Definitely not like my jeep.
I only have 1 fob so I'm not sure if the fob is crap or if it's where the fob goes in the dash or if it's something else.
This blows, I might have to have it towed out of my garage to MB of KC. I have a feeling it will end up expensive as it's always something expensive.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Suburb of Kansas City
2001 S600
My guess is the electronic ignition switch or.....well I'm not sure but I'll test the starter tonight or when I can. Got a BBQ to start in a few minutes
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
It might not be the problem but often it is - it does not matter at all how old the battery is or if it's tests good on a tester , if the car had a current drain after a few days it may still test fine, but be too weak to start the car .
Since it's extremely easy to rule out , I'd recommend trying this first . If you have aaa they even have a battery service that will attempt to try a new battery and you'll pay nothing if it doesn't work
Since it's extremely easy to rule out , I'd recommend trying this first . If you have aaa they even have a battery service that will attempt to try a new battery and you'll pay nothing if it doesn't work
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Suburb of Kansas City
2001 S600
Not the battery, I had it tested and it's like new still. I believe it's the starter.
I had my wife turn the key into the on position and wait about 5 seconds and then move the key to the start position. I can hear and feel the starter relay kick over and I think I hear the starter click 1 time buts very faint and that's it.
However I haven't had time to locate the starter.
It wouldn't surprise me if it is because I wash the underside of my car about once every 3 weeks.
Anyone wanna just save me the effort and tell me where the starter is located?
I had my wife turn the key into the on position and wait about 5 seconds and then move the key to the start position. I can hear and feel the starter relay kick over and I think I hear the starter click 1 time buts very faint and that's it.
However I haven't had time to locate the starter.
It wouldn't surprise me if it is because I wash the underside of my car about once every 3 weeks.
Anyone wanna just save me the effort and tell me where the starter is located?
